Benefits Of Household Chores to Children

Getting children to help with household chores is a great achievement for a family. Children who help with chores have an opportunity to grow in responsibility and ability to take charge.

It is never easy for the parents to start their children doing house chores, but with consistency and encouragement, the ball gets rolling.

Parents may use different ideas to make it easy for the children to embrace house chores. Some of the ideas include having a chore chart or giving rewards afterward.

Whichever method a family decides to employ, it is more beneficial to have a discussion about it for mutual understanding by all.

Children gain a lot through involvement in household chores. They acquire both soft and lifelong skills. Let’s discuss some benefits of engaging children around the house.

Benefits of children doing house chores, 7 discussed

Develop good work ethics

Children who start helping around the house early develop an interest and love for being involved. Such an attitude is carried forth into adulthood, helping the individual become successful in their workplace.

Hard work and the pride in finishing a task are motivations throughout life.

Learn independence

The more you involve your children in household chores, the more they practice and perfect the act. They may surprise you with the tasks you thought they would not be able to do.

Like any other person, children will thrive and gain independence in situations where they receive encouragement from their parents or caregivers.

Self-care

Children learn how to take care of their needs when involved in house chores. Once they cater to their needs, they will then help other family members since they have gained confidence and satisfaction.

As they grow older, they can do other tasks for the family, like preparing simple meals.

Build family bond

Parents should take the opportunity to build a relationship with their children during chores. Make the most of the time you work with your kids. Teach them a skill, encourage them on issues that could be troubling them, and do not forget to affirm them.

Children will always look forward to the chore shared with their parents to experience the moments.

Enhance teamwork spirit

Children learn and develop much-needed lifelong skills apart from learning various household chores. While working alongside family members, children are empowered with the ability to accommodate other people.

They get the opportunity to work with the strengths and weaknesses of those around them. Such skills are useful during schooling years and when they join the world of work.

Become responsible

Participating in house chores prepares children for future responsibilities. It is a sure bet that children, who learn to help, will pass on the same virtue to their children. It is a great reward for parents to know that their children are ready to face life on their own after leaving the family house.

Attain lifelong skills

Apart from teamwork, there are various important skills that children acquire when they engage in house chores. These skills are organization, self-esteem, self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Children understand the need to complete a certain task before moving on to the next. They can plan to start on the urgent roles and, later, those that can wait.

Chores are a good training that helps children to build good work habits. They gain the ability to juggle between school and housework, not forgetting their free time and social life.

Tips to help children to do house chores

  • Have a discussion with your children about the need for them to help
  • Please work with your child and let them learn from you.
  • Choose age-appropriate chores
  • Have chores that incorporate other members of the family for team spirit
  • Allow your child to choose the chores they prefer
  • Keep encouraging your children to create interest in the chores.
  • As much as possible, make chores moments interesting for the kids.
  • Praise your kids for taking the initiative in doing the chores.
  • Praise and reward them for the completed chores.
  • Have a routine – what needs to be done at a specific time

 

Some Age-appropriate chores

2-3 years old

Toddlers are active and can do simple tasks like moving light objects from one place to the other. They can help around by putting things in the right place. Give them the opportunity to:

  • Picking up toys after playtime
  • Pair and arrange shoes
  • Sorting laundry

4-5 years old

The preschoolers understand routine and enjoy being helpful. They can fully express themselves and so are in a position to ask questions and follow instructions. They can help with:

  • Clearing the table after meals
  • Set the table
  • Pair socks after laundry
  • Fold clothes like t-shirts
  • Dress themselves

6-7 years old

At this age, the child has gained some independence. They take pride in completing tasks and would be ready for more engagements. They would help in:

  • Feeding the pet
  • Folding clothes with guidance
  • Sweep the floor
  • Make own bed
  • Clean own room

8-9 years old

Children at this age are more independent. They take on a task and can think of the next step after they are done with a chore. They contribute ideas about the family, like what should be prepared for dinner. They can be engaged in:

  • Preparing meals with adults’ guidance
  • Put groceries in the right place
  • Take care of the pet
  • Load the dishwasher
  • Help with the yard work

10-11 years old

Children have matured and developed a sense of responsibility and can be relied upon at the house. Their mental capacity is more stable, and they can solve issues around the house. They will do well in activities like:

  • Cleaning the kitchen
  • Vacuum the house
  • Make own beds
  • Make own breakfast
  • Help in making meals

Over 12 years

The teenager is all grown and matured in most aspects of their lives. You can trust teenagers with some house running at this age. There is a need to make your teenager understand that they are a valuable member of the family and that their contribution matters.

Involve them in all the activities that the younger siblings are engaged in. They should be able to keep their rooms clean and tidy. They can help clean the other rooms in the house.

They can prepare meals for the family, though they may still need guidance depending on their age.

Teens could do with some allowances or privileges as motivation in house chores. It does not have to happen on a daily basis. It is good to appreciate their efforts when demanding tasks are completed, like when they mow the lawn or clean the bathrooms.

Points to remember

Take your time and be patient with your children. Whatever chores your child is involved in will require time to learn. Help them in the learning process.

Be flexible at times; if you find a messy house, the best thing to do is gather everyone to clean up rather than fuss about it.

Stick to the rules and the set routine. Frequent changes may confuse and frustrate the children.

Modeling is important; let your children see you doing your share of chores. They will follow suit.

Let the children know that helping around is for their benefit. It gives them an advantage of receiving privileges or rewards that could have taken a long time to come by if they had not helped with the family needs.

Let them understand that the practice and skills they gain will work for them all their lifetime.

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