Nagging kids to do their chores is nobody’s favorite part of being a parent. In fact, only 56% of American parents surveyed ask their children to do any housework at all.
Some parents believe that we should let “kids be kids”. There are only so many hours in the day and children already spend so many of them engaged in schoolwork or extra-curricular activities.
Perhaps chores should be left for the adults of the family? After all, kids will experience enough hard work when they grow up.
Many of us get pulled into this way of thinking, but chores are actually really important for kids. And letting our little ones off the hook so easily might mean they miss out on an excellent learning opportunity.
Why are chores important for kids?
While kids need time to relax and have fun, fitting a few chores into their day does bring a host of benefits.
Giving a child chores allows for more quality time together as a family. While sharing the load can also help to lower parental stress levels, too!
But there are significant educational and developmental benefits for the children as well…
7 benefits of giving your kid chores
1. Chores build a strong work ethic
“You don’t get something for nothing”, and chores help bring this adage to life. Whether you’re trading stickers, treats, an allowance, or just some words of praise for completed chores, you’re teaching your kids that hard work has its rewards.
Kids experience delayed gratification, which will later help them to study hard at school, manage their frustrations, and work towards long-term goals.
2. Bigger kids learn life skills
Frying an egg. Cleaning the toilet. Washing their own clothes. Helping your kids develop these kinds of life skills makes them more independent.
When it’s time for them to leave home, kids who have regularly helped out around the house in meaningful ways will be better able to take care of themselves.
3. Little ones develop motor skills
The hands-on nature of chores can be greatly beneficial for preschoolers and younger kids in particular.
Putting cans in the cupboard, sorting laundry, chopping fruit (with a butter knife!), or carefully pouring out juice are all tasks that aid a child’s physical development. At school, this translates into good pen control and improved ability on the sports field.
4. Kids can practice teamwork
Whatever their age, when kids do chores they acknowledge that they’re part of the family team — they work for the good of everyone.
Cooperating with others and learning to empathize helps kids build solid relationships from a young age, which will serve them well through school and beyond.
5. Chores improve time management skills
Fitting chores around homework, playtime, and seeing friends is a challenge for children. But developing these time management skills through chores is really important, especially for teens. When kids can manage their time, they meet homework deadlines, stay focused on tasks, and prioritize sensibly.
6. Chores build self-esteem
When you give your child chores, you show them that you trust them and are happy to give them some responsibility. This helps to build a child’s self-esteem.
They also begin to trust in their abilities and see themselves as capable and important to the family’s well-being.
7. It makes them happier in the long run — yes, really!
We’ve all experienced the satisfaction of a job well done. And while kids may take some motivating, they’ll experience a sense of accomplishment when they complete the chores they’ve been assigned.
What’s more, a study conducted by the University of Minnesota showed that children who were given chores from a young age grew up to be more successful in their careers and relationships as adults.
So while your 12-year-old might accuse you of “ruining their life” by getting them to lay the table or wash the dishes, rest assured that you’re actually doing the exact opposite.
Which chores are right for my child?
So that’s why chores are so important for kids and teens. Are you convinced? Then it’s time to start delegating!
While tasks certainly won’t be completed to the same standard you’re used to, try to be patient. The more often kids do chores, the better they will get at them.
Here are a few ideas for age-appropriate jobs around the house.
Chores for preschoolers
Kids of this age are naturally helpful. They love getting involved in whatever Mommy and Daddy are doing, so take advantage!
Ask them to tidy their toys — an organized play area with low-level storage makes this much easier. They can set the table for dinner and take their dishes to the sink after a meal, too.
If your preschooler needs a little extra motivation, try a sticker chart. Simple rewards can work wonders at this age.
Chores for school-age children
You can give school-age kids a little more responsibility. They should always put their bags and shoes away when they get home, and they can also load the dishwasher, water the garden, and put their clean clothes away.
You could even teach them to do some basic cleaning tasks like dusting and sweeping the floor. It’s important that you show them how to do the task first — and accept that it will take them time to learn.
Chores for teenagers
When kids reach their teenage years, it’s time to start preparing them for a life beyond the family home. Ask them to shop for groceries, walk the dog, cook meals, clean the bathroom, or mow the lawn.
You may want to offer an allowance in return for doing chores. Or you may prefer to keep the two things separate — encouraging teens to help around the house as a member of the family team rather than for monetary reward.
If you get your kid to do chores, remember that (despite all the complaining) you’re helping them to develop an important range of skills — skills that will help them to be successful, both now and in the future.
Who’d have thought taking out the trash could be so life-changing!?
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Link will appear as 7 Benefits of Giving Your Kid Chores – How Chores Can Be An Important Tool for Learning: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 24, 2020