Why Children Should Do Chores?

Completing chores promotes the development of many basic skills necessary for success in life. For younger children completing simple chores such as folding clothes or helping with making their bed can improve coordination Completing chores also enhances a child’s ability to follow directions and helps develop planning and organization skills. Completing chores also helps children develop time management skills.
Doing chores also helps children develop a sense of responsibility. They not only engage in self-help skills which brings a sense of independence but also a sense of shared responsibility and contribute to the well-being of the whole family.
Completing chores also promotes feelings of self-worth and belonging. When parents do everything, children may feel either dependent on others or may feel authorized and expect things to be done for them. When the topic of chores comes up in a family therapy session, I remind kids there is a reason we call chores, chores. Most people, including parents, don’t love doing them, but they need to be done anyway. I may ask about the things their parents do and what the home would be like if they were not completed. I think it is essential to distinguish between self-help and maintaining the household. Some children look a picking up toys, making their bed, or even brushing their teeth as a chore.

What children and teens should receive instead of an allowance is praise and a thank you. They also should be taught to feel good about themselves and to be proud of their abilities, their independence, and their contributions to the good of the family. Praise should be intermittent and sometimes just a thank you or I am proud of you will do. Constant praise takes away from a sense of initiative and personal responsibility. Sometimes praise should be descriptive such as, “I like the way you put all of your toys exactly in their place,” “I am proud that you did all of your chores without being reminded” or “You are getting good at making your bed and being careful to make it neatly.”

Starting kids off early with chores (personal responsibility) is best. With toddlers, you can make it a game, “playing being mommy & daddy.” Younger children may need to learn at first from observation or coaching. Praise should be based on effort, not perfection at first. This goes for older children learning new chores as well. If your children are older, including teens, a different approach may be needed to welcome them to the world of personal responsibility.

It is never too late to help your child learn to be self-sufficient and responsible. Down the road of life, they will probably thank you for assisting them in gaining valuable skills and developing admirable traits. This is important to living a happy and successful life.