You hardly find a child who enjoys doing chores. Even adults don’t like chores. But for a household to run smoothly these tedious and time-consuming tasks must get done. Some parents have lowered their expectations of their children, and children nowadays do not work as hard as they could generally. This should not be the case. Activity can benefit young people especially considering how much energy they tend to have. Chores in particular can help child development in the following ways.
Chores Contribute to a Child’s Maturity
Children who take on household tasks are likely to be more successful at school. Helping out around the house helps a child develop confidence, self-discipline, and strength of character—essential tools for learning. Assigning children regular household activities helps teach them responsibility. Tasks that personally affect your kids, such as cleaning their room or doing their own laundry, can help them become more self-reliant at the same time.
Chores Prepare Children to Serve Others
Some have observed that children who are expected to help out at home are more likely to take on community service as adults. This is hardly surprising since chores train them to put others’ needs above their own. When nothing is expected of them, children may cultivate a false belief that they are here to be served, and they grow up with a distorted view of what life will require of them in the way of responsibility and hard work.
Chores Promote Family Unity
Through their efforts at home, children come to realize not only that they are a valued part of the family but also that they have a responsibility toward it. Chores can create special moments between children and adults. Young ones who always want to help will feel important and receive a self-esteem boost.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Start Young
Some say that parents should assign chores when children are three years of age. Others recommend two years of age or even younger
Assign Age-Appropriate Chores
Work with your child’s ability. You might be surprised at how enthusiastic your child becomes about handling chores.
Place a Priority on Chores
Children should not ignore their chores because of schoolwork. Handling chores help children become better students. And the lessons learned to prepare them for the time when they will have a family of their own.
Focus on the Objective Rather than the Result
It may take your child longer to complete a task than you would wish. You may also notice that the quality of the work could be better. When that happens, resist the urge to take over the task. Your objective is not to have the chore done perfectly but to help your child learn responsibility and discover the joy that works can bring.
