Chores Don't Have to be a Task for Your Kids

When started at a very young age, chores can become as much a part of your child’s daily routine as brushing his teeth or getting dressed.

Helping Mommy and Daddy is often a joy for little tikes who are enthusiastic about being a part of “the action” even if that means shoveling snow, washing windows or taking out the trash. By giving children small and simple tasks, parents instill a sense of responsibility and commitment. And, as a result, they develop a sense of teamwork and cooperation knowing that they are helping the family. The key lies training your children from a young age and starting small.

As children get older, expectations increase and desire often wanes. But, if expectations  are increased gradually, then the transition will involve children more naturally and opposition will be diminished (to a degree). Paramount to success are the parents’ ability to stay the course — set the rules and stick to them. By keeping children busy with chores, parents prevent boredom and disobedience while, at the same time, strengthening family commitment and personal responsibility.  

By offering children a list of chore options and allowing them to choose what they want to do, they maintain a sense of control and the task does not seem so daunting. Tapping into your child’s power of choice gives him a feeling of ownership and pride in his accomplishment. 

Because children are naturally immune to the “do as I say, not as I do” adage, it is important for parents to partake in the chores as well. Working side-by-side with a parent motivates children. When the family does chores together, motivated by parental love and responsibility, children are willing to cooperate more readily.

While the job of reconciling children and chores will never disappear entirely, the benefits reaped by enforcing housework is undeniable. When viewed as just another life skill, parents are empowered to stand firm and not waver when children try to manipulate or resist chores. 

Partaking in chores helps children develop values such as caring for other people, finding enjoyment in work and being responsible and productive. In the end, the greatest reward for doing chores is the sense of accomplishment when a job is completed. 

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