Raising Helpful, Responsible Kids Begins with Chores
As parents, we are always seeking the best for our children because we want our children to grow into caring adults that are successful in life. Research shows that one of the best ways to help children become successful is to engage them regularly in chores from an early age. The landmark 75-year Harvard study clearly showed the connection between children participating in chores and becoming a successful adult. Chores are important because they teach children basic skills, provide a sense of responsibility, instill values of hard work and promote the common good! They also can be really helpful for the family unit! Further, new research shows that basic household chores have all kinds of benefits for adults in their older age and may even improve brain health. Let’s pave the way for children’s adult success and great outcomes later in life by intertwining chores into daily life today.
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Hold a Family Meeting. Pick an evening of the week and start holding a family meeting. This printable makes it easy! Find an intentional time to connect with one another, share the highs and lows of the week, and think about goals and chores for the week. By getting everyone on board, and getting input, chores can be a part of a family bonding experience!
Chore Chart. Create a chore chart that is visible for all family members. For smaller children use pictures to show what needs to be done. Having a visual reminder of tasks and a way to show completion will help with consistency. Further, if you connect the chore with a specific time (i.e. clean the table after dinner), it will make it easier for kids to remember their To Do List each day. By making chores a daily habit, they will be woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Chores at Any Age. Every family member from age 2 and up can help in some way. Think about the different ages and stages of your children and what tasks make sense for them to be helpful. In fact, young children often want to be helpers. Harness that energy and enthusiasm to introduce them to chores and they will have fun doing them together with you. Here is a list of suggested chores by age.
Toddlers can help with putting away their toys, sorting laundry, folding small hand towels or napkins, matching socks, cleaning their highchair tray, and helping mix batter while you are cooking.
Preschool children can be helpful in setting the table, cleaning up their rooms or other rooms in the house, washing a kitchen table with soap and water, helping to fold and making their beds (or at least trying!)
Older children can be taught to clear the table, load the dishwasher, unpack and put away groceries, make easy sandwiches (like PB&Js), and help entertain/ play with younger children.
Make Chores a Contribution. Being a part of the family means helping each other in any way you can. Chores give children an opportunity to give back in meaningful ways. Chores will change as a child grows in maturity and ability. By connecting chores with money, parents create an expectation that helping out is something that is paid for, rather than part of family culture. Save payment for an allowance (so they can learn money management skills) rather than connecting the money to the chores.
Make Chores Fun. Think about what you might do to make chores a bit more fun. For example, “let’s each pick up five things that don’t belong” or “Let’s jam out as we dust the furniture.” Engage your children in dreaming up new and exciting ways to make tasks a bit more exciting.
Volunteer with Your Family. Chores teach children the importance of giving back to the community. Show children the importance of helping others by finding additional ways to give back too. Check out the curated family volunteer monthly opportunities in select cities for opportunities to connect with your community.
CONVERSATIONS
These are questions that can get the gratitude conversations going.
Take some time to have a family conversation about the “why” chores are important. Talk about how to help your family members with a happy heart. Here are some questions to start your conversation.
Why do you think it is important for everyone to contribute or help out in our house?
What are ways you are already helpful?
Are there ways you can be more helpful to your caretakers? To your siblings?
How can you be helpful to someone in your family today?
How can you make chores fun?
How do you feel after you’ve completed your chores?
READ
Check out some of these books for adults (affiliate links) that can get you thinking about the impact of family chores.
INSPIRATION
“Many hands make light work.”
― John Heywood (and my Grandmother)