Chores??? Really???
Families and chores have given opportunity to many conversations and debates. Chores can be described as a routine task or an unpleasant but necessary task. Survival Skills For Healthy Families and Love and Logic teaches chores are just a part of being in a family. Chores never go away, no matter our age. The happiness of doing chores is in our perspective.
Children benefit from chores, as do parents. Teaching our children to expect and enjoy the tasks given them will make their lives more content. See information regarding age appropriate chores for children. Young children can help with picking up their toys and putting them away. Do it with them, show them how to do it and how you want it done - with excitement rather than drudgery. Some toddlers can begin carrying clean clothes to their rooms. Do the task with them, make working together a fun experience for them while they are young. Use the opportunity to count and recognize colors. Ask, “How many socks are there?” “What color is this sock?” When we give a child a chore, we need to model the behavior we want our children to mirror. If we want them to take out the garbage or fill the dishwasher, we must show them our expectations.
Chores are one of the first opportunities we get to teach our children about life. Chores are a part of being in a family and community. Chores generate responsibility.
Chores help teach children how to take care of themselves in a healthy way. As they accomplish the chores given, they will be empowered to feel better about themselves and the world around them. When they pick up their rooms and keep their areas tidy, it teaches them to take care of their environment.
When children get good at things, it helps them control their life. It helps them feel and be successful. My precious grandson loves to help and be a part of whatever we are doing. When he was three years old, he saw me sweeping leaves. He said, “Grammy, let me do it.” I had to take a moment and realize he was too little to handle the long handle of the broom. Rather than say no, I showed him the small dust pan and whisk broom and asked him if he could help clean up what I swept into a pile. He was excited to try. He didn’t get every leaf into the garbage can and we could laugh as we saw them fall back to the ground. Once we had it all cleaned up, he had a wide smile of fun and success! He did a great job – a chore.
As parents, we need to pay close attention to our children’s capability and not demand cooperation beyond their developmental growth and ability.
When kids contribute to their family, it allows them to feel a part of the family. They belong. They will become a part of their communities in a healthier manner. Love and Logic states – “Parents and Educators agree…Kids who are used to doing chores at home…without reminders, without pay, and without arguing…are far more respectful and motivated at school.”
Know your children and be creative with the chores you assign. Research others parent tips.
