Importance of Chores for Children

The importance of chores for children should not be underestimated. Parents who have, “stuck to their guns,” and incorporated specific jobs for their children to do throughout their childhood have reaped the benefits later on. Their homes ended up running more smoothly and their children grew up to be more responsible than children who did not have assigned chores.

Starting children young is highly recommended; you can start as young as two years old. However, make sure the job is age appropriate. Taking the time to show them how you would like them to do the job by breaking it down into manageable steps is a good idea. It is best to do the job with them, and then monitor them until they can do it alone. After they master one chore well enough, you can add others. Only one at a time, though.

Setting up a reasonable reward system helps motivate children; daily rewards for younger children and weekly rewards for older ones are recommended. Also, having non-material rewards such as extra play time, staying up a little later, candy, or toys is best. You need to have appropriate consequences in operation should they not do their chores, and always follow through on administering those consequences. Constantly reminding them to do their chores or doing the chores for them should be avoided, because it teaches them that they can have their way with those in authority over them, and that if they procrastinate enough, someone else will do their work for them. Most importantly, as a parent, set a good example for your children by making sure you do your own work without grumbling or complaining about it, because children always follow your examples more than your words.