It’s a question that many parents find themselves asking ‘Should I be giving my child chores?’ ‘And if so, should these be introduced from a young age?’ Research on this subject indicates that the answer to both questions is ‘yes’ – doing chores has a positive effect on a child’s development and the younger that they start, the greater the benefits!
Taking responsibility for some household tasks, however small, provides a child with important life skills and prepares them for life in the outside world. This leads to increased independence and confidence in their own abilities.
Studies also show that children who have regular chores are better able to cope with frustration and to delay gratification – abilities which lead to increased success in school. These skills are especially important in today’s fast paced world as children get more and more familiar with instant results.
Chores can also provide a way for children to connect with their families as they get the chance to chat and spend time together. This quality time is particularly valuable in today’s busy lifestyles. Therefore chore time can present an opening for conversations and discussions that might not otherwise arise during the day. So no guilt the next time you ask for help with the dishes – it’s a perfect opportunity for some family bonding!
Experts point out that all humans need to feel needed and so by giving children an opportunity to contribute, you are actually answering a fundamental need. It also allows them to develop empathy for others as they recognise that we all need a hand in life sometimes. Qualities such as empathy are essential for social interaction in later life.
However knowing these benefits as a parent is one thing – getting your children on board might be another! So here are some tips on how to approach the introduction of chores– and reap the rewards.
1) Give age appropriate chores
Giving chores that are too difficult or time consuming will discourage your child and create a negative association with chores from the start. Take your child’s age and abilities into account when assigning their chores and adjust these tasks as their skills and understanding develop.
Some examples of age appropriate chores are as follows:
18 mths – 2 yrs – Putting clothes in a wash basket
2 – 4 yrs – Sweeping up small messes with a dustpan
5 – 7 yrs – Emptying small wastebaskets into a bin bag
7 -10 yrs – Replacing toilet holder rolls & towels
10 yrs + – Peel vegetables/potatoes for dinner
2) Mind your language
Be mindful of how you talk about chores or describe them to your children. Use positive language and model the attitude that you would like them to adopt. By approaching your own chores with patience, enthusiasm and humour, you give the subtle message that this is how they should be done. Praise will also help to make these activities more fulfilling for children – thank them for being a helper and point out the good job that they did.
3) Explain the need for chores
It helps if children can understand the reasons why we need to do certain chores. Try explaining the purpose behind them such as to ensure that we have clean clothes to wear or to make sure that the bins don’t become too smelly! Use age appropriate language and try to put a positive slant on all explanations so that children can see how they benefit from helping out in this way.
4) Be consistent!
As in many areas, consistency is important when it comes to chores. They need to be factored into a child’s weekly schedule so that they become part of their routine. If you can create a habit out of certain chores it will reduce the likelihood of resistance and tantrums at chore time. Parents will also need be consistent in their approach and follow through at all times. If not, a child may resist doing their chores in the hope that the parent will give in and ‘let them off the hook’!
5) Make chores fun
Most of us can remember a chore that we enjoyed doing as a child – most likely because it involved an element of fun. Use your imagination to make chore time ‘a game’ and you will definitely increase the enthusiasm of your participants! Whether it’s timing how fast they can collect up their socks or introducing make-believe (sweeping ‘the deck’ of their ‘pirate ship’!) these little touches can really change the way in which chores are viewed!
We hope that you find these tips useful & that you gain some happy little helpers as a result!
