Here’s a riddle for you! What is something a few enjoy doing, many have procrastinated about, but must get done immediately? Well, you probably guessed it right. The answer is chores, which is defined as a simple everyday task to keep a household running smoothly. Continue reading this article to know about the importance of starting kids early when it comes to chores.
Adults mainly do their part and lead by example; hence, a debate comes into play on whether children should help around the house or not. Some parents let “kids be kids” by allowing them to enjoy time for play, while others see children being less capable to be given tasks. These arguments make sense, but the positive benefits of giving kids chores clearly outweigh them.
Assigning housework can take the stress off the parent or guardian and make this tedious and time-consuming responsibility less of a hassle. This can teach children life skills that will help them prepare for the real world, such as responsibility and being part of a team. It will also make them feel that their parents trust them to complete a task.
Aged-based Chore Suggestions
Chores can range from being too easy but boring or frustrating yet dangerous. It is best to start with chores according to what works for the children’s age and abilities. Slowly increase responsibility as they grow older and don’t forget to reward them occasionally.
It is also important to teach kids chores that involve caring for the whole family. For instance, the simple task of setting or clearing the table gives the child a sense of responsibility and participation in running the household. Here are some examples for your child/ren’s next chore assignments:
- Pre-school Kids
Even young ones can help with chores when you choose the right activities fit for their age. They are still learning how to take care of themselves by feeding themselves, going to the bathroom on their own, dressing themselves, basic hygiene practices, and putting themselves to sleep. Since they are not capable of doing complex responsibilities, parents should keep things simple and assign everyday chores to preschoolers. This can include organizing toys, filling up their pet’s food/water bowl, placing plates by the kitchen sink after eating, helping in feeding their younger sibling, and cleaning up their messes.
In addition, they can also be of help during special occasions, through making decorations, preparing meals and desserts, or cleaning up the house before guests arrive. Make them feel that their contribution is important and encourage them with a reward system. Young children respond well to rewards, which can be in the form of sticker charts, special trips outside, or treating them with their favorite food, to name a few. They also appreciate the praise from their parents and older siblings whenever responsibility is given to them.
- Elementary-age Children
Once children begin to attend school, their responsibilities should increase at home as well. Children over six years old can help decide which chores they like doing and you can have a family discussion over it. Give them your expectations but don’t expect perfection immediately, as chores become more challenging and complex to do. Teach chores to kids by giving them step-by-step instructions and don’t forget to encourage them to keep practicing.
A few examples for this age group include folding clothes, helping to cook meals, cleaning dishes, taking out the garbage, and picking up the newspaper. They can also take your pet dog for a walk or mow the lawn around your own Bria Homes affordable house and lot. There are many things they can do for themselves and other people in order to build positive self-esteem. When the household works on a culture of trust, validation, and gratitude, children would feel more motivated to contribute. In the long run, the child assumes the responsibility on a routine basis, which will be a foundation for their identity as they mature.
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- Teenagers
Chores for teens can help them prepare for the real world. Learning life skills early during their teenage years can guide them in living independently in a house and lot or condominium of their own when the time comes. Have them cook meals, do laundry, babysit, run errands for parents, and shop for groceries. Like their younger siblings, they can likewise build positive self-esteem with more responsibility entrusted to them.
Parents can reward them with increased freedom, money to spend on things they want, and fewer restrictions on curfew, bedtime, or screen time. Giving them an allowance system can motivate them to do chores and can serve as a way to teach them about managing their money wisely. Try to give them additional money only if they work hard for it.
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Importance of Chores
The chore conflict arises when children say this line: “Just wait a minute. I’ll do it later.” They can become a pro at procrastination when they get used to not doing the work around the house, thus it is important to start laying out expectations while they are still young. Consider these five reasons why giving kids chores is a win-win situation for everyone in the household:
- Chores Reframed as Responsibilities
Whether as a developing child or teen, chores have a vital role in teaching responsibility on taking care of others (social responsibility) and taking care of oneself. Having responsibilities help kids feel that they are growing up and are fulfilling their desire to become independent individuals someday. They also enjoy the satisfaction that comes with helping others and the act of service releases neurochemicals that are more powerful than receiving rewards in return.
- Redeem Self-Esteem with Chores
All children have the desire to not only learn but master tasks they could not accomplish before. Therefore, acquiring new skills will help them develop positive self-esteem, as mentioned. When they succeed in mastering them, they try to become consistent to earn respect and validation from parents, older siblings, or other adults. Aside from being recognized at school or excelling in their hobbies, children can also feel good about themselves when they complete household tasks and contribute to the family.
- A Family that Does Chores Together, Stays Together
Chores can expose children to the idea of teamwork. Assigning housework can help children become productive members of a team. It can develop their sense of participation and being a team player, which is a good skill to be equipped for in the future, whether in school or work. Another lesson learned at home is the value of accountability, asking for forgiveness when mistakes are made, and consequences when expectations are not met.
- It’s Time to Start Doing Your Chores
There are a lot of things to do amidst a million distractions society provides you with on a daily basis. Planning and time management skills can be improved when you factor in chores in your daily schedule, as chores can help children and teens build good habits early. This can teach them how to set priorities and manage their time with different responsibilities. The working world will be full of deadlines and letting your children complete tasks at a given time period will better prepare them for what lies ahead.
- Chores as a Recreational Activity
Some children often perceive chores as a burden or unnecessary task to accomplish. In reality, it serves as a great activity for your children to be able to take a little break from studying. It also gives the family a special way of bonding and spending time together. Both children and adults can converse and open up over the shared task. This will help them feel seen and heard and will instantaneously be a positive mood boost for the young ones.
Written by Gianne D. Inumerable
