Parents often wonder if they should give their kids chores to do at home. Many parents feel that it is their responsibility to manage the household and are unsure whether it’s the right thing to do. Having three children means there is always some or other household chore that needs doing. Five people in one house mean there is always laundry, always plenty of vacuuming to be done, always dusting, and always dishes that need sorting. Always beds that are needing to be made and bathrooms that need cleaning.
I am a believer in getting children to help maintain the family home. Of course, the bulk of this falls to me as I work from home, blogging, and designing websites 3 days a week and in a school for the other two days.
I feel that now with my children being a little older, chores are more easily shared. In our home, we are lucky enough that my children do not need to share bedrooms and that we have a family room where all toys are kept. This means that I don’t have the battle of enforcing tidying of shared bedrooms. My children cannot blame each other for the mess in their own bedroom. They are responsible for their own space.
I do have expectations of each of them. Their rooms are a prime example. I require them to keep their space tidy. To make their own beds each morning and hang up their school uniforms each day, ready for the next school day. They also have to put away their pyjamas in the morning. Obviously, I don’t expect the same level of competency from my youngest as I would from my oldest. Her bed-making ability is far more refined but she receives the same praise as the little one who pretty much only manages to straighten his covers. It’s that age-appropriate scale.
Shared spaces are a little more difficult to control. We recently converted our garage (the car did not fit in it, like most garages in the UK) into a family room and moved most of the children’s toys from their rooms into this shared space. I was concerned that it would cause trouble because I anticipated them saying…but I didn’t make that mess, he/she did it.
I expected them to try to wheedle their way out of cleaning up by leaving it to the more willing sibling. But so far so good. It seems that the novelty of the new space is working and, along with a huge de-clutter of toys, we now have a more streamlined setup, with appropriate storage. This makes it easy to tidy and I think that may be the key.
I’ve told you I am a believer in getting children to help at home, but I’ve not shared why I support this viewpoint. Apart from being raised to help at home in my childhood home, I have done extensive reading about this topic, especially in regard to the appropriate ages for children to begin helping. What I found out only served to reinforce my view.
11 Reasons why children should do chores
Appreciation for Others’ Efforts
When children engage in chores, they gain a deeper appreciation for the efforts of others. They realize the time and energy required to keep a household running smoothly, fostering empathy and gratitude towards parents, caregivers, and other family members. Chores teach children how to be empathetic and responsive to others’ needs.
Being a helper makes a child aware of the tasks that need to be done to run a family home and that if they don’t contribute it falls on someone else. I have found that younger children love being a helper. They love the feeling of accomplishment and how helping brings praise, often from their primary caregiver. I like to remind my children that they are making life in our home easier for everyone, not just me, by being a helper.
A contributor to our home. It makes them see themselves as an integral part of their family and enhances their feeling of being part of a team. This teaches them the importance of community and responsibility. Chores teach children that as part of a family, everyone needs to share in the workload, and that they are not just a duty but a way of taking care of each other.
Family Bonding and Togetherness
Engaging in chores together as a family not only contributes to the smooth running of the household but also offers a unique opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories. When family members work together to accomplish tasks, they share experiences, engage in open communication, and develop a sense of unity and camaraderie.
One of the key benefits of doing chores together as a family is the quality time it provides. In our fast-paced lives, finding time to connect with each other can be challenging. However, when families come together to tackle chores, they have an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s folding laundry, cooking a meal, or cleaning up after a family gathering, these shared experiences create a sense of togetherness and allow family members to deepen their connections.
Engaging in chores as a family also promotes open communication. As family members work together, they naturally engage in conversation, discussing tasks, sharing ideas, and providing support to one another. This open communication fosters a sense of understanding, empathy, and cooperation within the family. It creates an environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and even funny anecdotes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
Moreover, sharing responsibilities through chores teaches children important life skills and values. By actively participating in household tasks alongside their parents and siblings, children learn the value of collaboration, teamwork, and shared responsibilities. They develop a sense of accountability and understand that their contributions matter in maintaining a well-functioning home. These shared responsibilities promote a sense of ownership and pride in their environment, fostering a positive family culture where everyone contributes to the household’s well-being.
Engaging in chores as a family also creates lasting memories. The shared experiences of working together, overcoming challenges, and accomplishing tasks become cherished moments that families can look back on with fondness. These memories become part of the family narrative, strengthening the bonds between family members and creating a sense of belonging and shared history. From inside jokes and funny mishaps to moments of accomplishment and celebration, these memories become the foundation of a strong family bond.
Doing chores together as a family provides an opportunity for learning and skill development. Parents can use this time to teach their children practical skills, such as cooking, cleaning, organizing, and basic home maintenance. By involving children in age-appropriate tasks, parents impart important life skills that will benefit them in their future endeavours. It also provides an avenue for intergenerational learning, where children can learn from their parent’s wisdom and experiences.
Engaging in chores together as a family offers numerous benefits beyond the completion of tasks. It creates an environment for quality time, open communication, and shared responsibilities. Through these shared experiences, families strengthen their bonds, create lasting memories, and foster a sense of unity. Engaging in chores as a family is not only a practical way to manage the household but also a powerful tool for building strong family relationships and nurturing a positive family culture.
Self-Confidence and Sense of Achievement
Successfully completing chores gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-confidence. They learn that they are capable of contributing to the family and accomplishing tasks independently, enhancing their self-esteem and sense of competence.
Children who have regular household chores feel a sense of self-worth- they have an important job to do- and competency. As people, we all need to feel needed and to know that we’re making a contribution, chores help children to make a valuable contribution.
Chore-doers exhibit a higher level of self-esteem.
Children will feel more capable of having met their obligations and completed their tasks.
Self-Esteem: Your Child’s Best Armour Against Danger
Time Management and Organisation
By having assigned chores, children learn to prioritise tasks, manage their time effectively, and develop organisational skills. These skills are transferable to schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of their lives.
They develop an understanding of prioritization and planning as they allocate time for completing tasks alongside their other responsibilities. Learning time management skills at a young age set a foundation for better organization and efficiency in the future.
Chores often involve cleaning, tidying, and organizing spaces within the home. Through these activities, children learn the importance of maintaining an orderly environment. They develop skills in sorting, arranging, and decluttering, which contribute to creating a more organized and functional living space.
Work Ethics and Discipline
Engaging children in chores not only helps with the day-to-day functioning of the household but also instils a strong work ethic and discipline that carries over into various aspects of their lives. By completing tasks promptly and to the best of their abilities, children develop habits that are essential for success in academics, future careers, and personal growth.
One of the key benefits of doing chores is that it teaches children the value of responsibility and accountability. They learn that they have a role to play in contributing to the well-being of the family and the household. By consistently fulfilling their assigned chores, children develop a sense of duty and reliability, understanding that their actions have an impact on the overall functioning of the family unit.
Engaging in chores also helps children develop time management skills. They learn to prioritize their tasks, allocate their time effectively, and meet deadlines. These skills translate into other areas of their lives, such as managing their academic workload or balancing their extracurricular activities. By honing their time management skills through chores, children become better equipped to handle multiple responsibilities and develop a sense of discipline that serves them well throughout their lives.
Completing chores also teaches children the importance of attention to detail and performing tasks to the best of their abilities. They understand that thoroughness and quality are crucial in achieving satisfactory results. This mindset extends beyond household chores and becomes ingrained in their approach to academic assignments, personal projects, and future career endeavours. They learn the value of giving their best effort and taking pride in their work.
Doing chores helps children develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They encounter different challenges and obstacles while performing their tasks, which require them to think creatively and find solutions. Whether it’s figuring out the most efficient way to clean a room or organizing household items, children learn to analyze situations, make decisions, and adapt their strategies accordingly. These problem-solving skills are transferable to various situations they encounter in academics and future careers.
Engaging in chores also promotes a sense of independence and self-sufficiency in children. They learn to rely on their own abilities to complete tasks and overcome obstacles. This sense of autonomy fosters self-confidence and a can-do attitude, empowering children to take initiative and tackle challenges head-on. As they develop a sense of mastery over their chores, children become more self-assured in their abilities and develop a positive mindset towards overcoming difficulties.
Engaging children in chores instils a strong work ethic and discipline that extends beyond the household. By completing tasks promptly and to the best of their abilities, children learn the importance of responsibility, time management, attention to detail, problem-solving, and independence. These qualities are crucial for success in academics, future careers, and personal growth. By instilling these habits through chores, parents lay a solid foundation for their children’s overall development and equip them with invaluable skills for life.
Responsibility and Independence
Engaging in chores instils a sense of responsibility and accountability in children. When they are assigned specific tasks and expected to complete them, children learn to take ownership of their responsibilities and understand the consequences of their actions. This sense of accountability prepares them for handling obligations and commitments in their personal and professional lives. This fosters independence and prepares them for future responsibilities.
Children who do chores tend to demonstrate responsibility in other areas of their lives. They are the ones who will offer to serve outside of the home. They tend to be the ones who others consider helpful and better behaved. Being responsible for chores helps develop a sense of initiative and fulfilment.
Researchers say that children who do chores are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification. These character traits contribute to greater success in school.
Financial Literacy
Incorporating the concept of earning an allowance or rewards through chores offers children an excellent opportunity to learn about money management and the value of hard work. By associating chores with financial incentives, children develop an understanding of important financial concepts and acquire practical skills related to money.
When children have the opportunity to earn an allowance or rewards through completing chores, they learn about the connection between work and financial gain. This experience instils in them the idea that money is earned through effort and encourages a strong work ethic from an early age. They understand that their actions and contributions have tangible outcomes, motivating them to take responsibility for their chores and complete them diligently.
Earning an allowance or rewards through chores also teaches children the importance of saving. They learn that money can be accumulated over time by setting aside a portion of their earnings. This concept of saving encourages children to delay gratification and work towards achieving long-term goals. They gain an understanding of the value of money and the satisfaction that comes from saving for something they desire.
In addition to saving, children learn about budgeting through their chore-related earnings. They are encouraged to allocate their money wisely, considering their needs and wants. This process of decision-making helps children develop critical thinking skills and make choices based on their financial resources. They learn to prioritize their expenses and understand that money has limitations, fostering financial literacy and responsible financial behaviour.
Earning money through chores also provides an opportunity for children to experience the consequences of their financial decisions. If they spend their earnings impulsively or without considering their future needs, they may face a shortage of funds. This hands-on experience allows children to learn from their mistakes and understand the importance of making thoughtful financial choices.
Furthermore, the practice of earning an allowance or rewards through chores helps children develop a sense of financial independence. They learn to take ownership of their earnings and make decisions about how to allocate their money. This sense of control fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment, as children understand that they have the ability to manage their own finances.
By engaging in chores tied to earning an allowance or rewards, children not only gain practical financial skills but also develop a positive attitude towards work and money. They learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and delayed gratification. These experiences lay a solid foundation for their future financial well-being and equip them with essential skills for navigating the complex world of personal finance.
Tying chores to earning an allowance or rewards offers children valuable lessons in money management and the value of hard work. Through this practice, children develop an understanding of saving, budgeting, and making choices based on their earnings. By incorporating financial concepts into their daily lives, children gain financial literacy and practical skills that will serve them well in adulthood.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Participating in household chores provides children with valuable lessons about teamwork and cooperation. As they engage in tasks alongside their family members, children begin to grasp the significance of working together to achieve common goals and maintain a harmonious home environment.
By working collaboratively with family members, children develop crucial teamwork skills. They learn to communicate effectively, listen to others’ perspectives, and coordinate their efforts towards a common objective. They discover the importance of division of labour, as tasks are distributed among family members based on their abilities and strengths. This recognition of individual skills and contributions cultivates an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.
Engaging in chores as a team helps children develop problem-solving abilities. They encounter situations where they need to cooperate, compromise, and find solutions together. They learn to navigate conflicts, make decisions collectively, and accommodate differing opinions, enhancing their conflict-resolution skills and interpersonal relationships.
Teamwork and cooperation in chores provide children with valuable life lessons beyond the household. These skills are transferable to school projects, extracurricular activities, and future professional endeavours. Children who have experienced the benefits of teamwork at home are more likely to collaborate effectively in various social settings and understand the importance of collective effort.
Life Skills Development
Chores offer children a valuable opportunity to acquire essential life skills that will benefit them as they grow and navigate the challenges of adulthood. They learn how to clean, organise, cook, do laundry, and manage their time effectively. These skills are crucial for their personal growth and self-sufficiency as they transition into adulthood. Giving children household chores at an early age helps to build a lasting sense of ability-being able to master a task, responsibility, and self-reliance. Children who complete self-care tasks and help with household chores are better equipped to function independently in the outside world.
After all, as a parent, you are not doing your child (or their future partners) any favours if they leave home unable to operate the washing machine or have the basic skills to maintain a healthy hygiene standard in their own homes.
Self-Care and Hygiene
Engaging children in chores that involve personal care and hygiene is a fundamental aspect of their overall development. These tasks, which include brushing teeth, bathing, and keeping personal spaces clean, impart essential lessons about the importance of taking care of one’s physical well-being.
When children actively participate in personal care chores, they develop an understanding of the direct connection between cleanliness and good health. They learn that maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as regular toothbrushing and bathing, helps prevent the spread of germs and reduces the risk of illness. This knowledge empowers children to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.
Through these tasks, children also acquire valuable habits and routines that contribute to their overall self-care. By consistently practising personal care routines, they establish a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. These habits not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to their mental and emotional well-being. Children learn that taking care of themselves is an act of self-respect and a way to nurture their overall sense of well-being.
Additionally, engaging in personal care chores fosters a sense of autonomy and independence in children. As they learn to take charge of their personal hygiene, they become more self-sufficient in meeting their own needs. This sense of independence boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem, as they realize their ability to care for themselves and their bodies.
Personal care chores also serve as opportunities for parents and caregivers to instil important knowledge and skills. They can educate children about the importance of proper toothbrushing techniques, the benefits of bathing regularly, and the significance of maintaining clean personal spaces. Parents can guide children in establishing effective routines and provide guidance on using appropriate hygiene products.
Moreover, engaging in personal care chores teaches children about respect for themselves and others. They learn that personal hygiene is not only important for their own well-being but also for the comfort and health of those around them. This understanding promotes empathy and consideration for others’ needs and cultivates a sense of responsibility towards maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for everyone.
Personal care chores play a vital role in children’s development by teaching them the importance of taking care of their physical well-being. These tasks provide valuable lessons about cleanliness, health habits, self-respect, and independence. By actively engaging in personal care chores, children establish lifelong habits that contribute to their overall well-being and foster a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others.
Empowering Gender Equality
Involving both boys and girls in household chores is a powerful way to break down gender stereotypes and promote gender equality within the family. When children witness that chores are shared responsibilities, regardless of gender, they develop a broader and more inclusive perspective on gender roles and responsibilities within the household.
By assigning tasks to both boys and girls, parents send a clear message that household chores are not limited to a particular gender. This breaks away from traditional gender norms and stereotypes that assign specific household duties based on gender. It promotes the understanding that both boys and girls are capable of contributing to all aspects of household management, fostering a more egalitarian mindset.
Engaging boys in household chores challenges the notion that household tasks are exclusively women’s responsibilities. It teaches them that domestic work is not gender-specific but rather a shared responsibility among all family members. This understanding paves the way for boys to grow up as individuals who appreciate and respect the contributions of women in the household and society at large.
Similarly, involving girls in a wide range of chores helps them recognize their capabilities beyond stereotypical gender roles. It empowers girls to take on a variety of tasks and reinforces the idea that they are just as capable as boys in performing any chore. By engaging in chores traditionally associated with boys, such as lawn mowing or fixing household items, girls gain confidence in their abilities and challenge gender biases that limit their potential.
When children observe that both boys and girls are involved in household chores, it cultivates a sense of fairness and equality. They learn that gender does not determine one’s responsibilities or capabilities. This understanding extends beyond the home and can influence their perceptions of gender roles in other areas of life, such as school, work, and relationships.
Involving children in a diverse range of household chores exposes them to a variety of skills and experiences. Boys and girls alike can learn valuable life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing. This equips them with a well-rounded set of abilities, empowering them to be self-sufficient and adaptable individuals in adulthood.
Involving both boys and girls in household chores also promotes empathy and understanding. By sharing tasks, children gain insight into the efforts and challenges faced by each other. They learn to appreciate and support one another’s contributions, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation within the family.
By actively involving boys and girls in household chores, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes towards gender roles and promoting a more equitable society. Breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality from an early age helps create a generation that values and respects the diverse capabilities and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender.
I am pleased to say that my children do their chores without a grumble (for the most part). They even proudly took me to see how they made my bed for me this weekend.
My two youngest children decided to make my bed for me! Not perfect but perfectly good!
Encouraging children to do chores not only helps with the practical aspects of running a household but also fosters their personal and social development. By instilling responsibility, life skills, teamwork, discipline, and a sense of achievement, children are better prepared for the challenges and responsibilities they will face in the future.
So now you know I am a fan of getting children to help at home, that I think that the values taught through assigning chores are important. Do your children help at home? Do you think they should or shouldn’t be helping?
I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.
