The Surprising Benefits of Chores for Children

Chores are an important part of growing up and learning to take responsibility. They provide young children with a sense of accomplishment and independence as they learn how to take care of themselves and the place they call home. 

Although household chores may not always be the most exciting tasks, they work wonders for a child’s development and teach them a variety of life skills that will follow them throughout their adult lives.

In this blog, we explore the surprising benefits of chores for young children and how you can encourage involvement from an early age. Let’s dive in!

They build self-esteem

Assigning chores and praising children for doing them instils a sense of accomplishment. When children contribute to the family by completing chores, they feel like valued members of a team. They feel proud and more confident in their abilities, which results in higher self-esteem.

They demonstrate the importance of teamwork

Household chores teach children how to work collaboratively with others to reach a common goal. For example, if they set the table while you are cooking dinner, they feel a part of the process and can recognise their contribution to a family meal. 

Chores don’t have to be done alone! You can also complete chores together, like vacuuming or tending to the garden, which provides rich opportunities for quality time together. This can show young children how to work as a team to accomplish great things!

This collaboration makes children feel like a valued member of their family, which helps to build their sense of community. They begin to understand how everyone has a role, and that working together can lead to greater success.

Children learn to become independent

As children learn to complete household tasks on their own, they develop a sense of independence. As a result, they feel more confident in their abilities, empowering them to develop a positive self-image.

By teaching children how to complete tasks on their own, like making their bed or packing their own lunch, you’ll have peace of mind that they can meet their basic needs when you are not around. In the long run, this will make your life as a parent or caregiver easier!

They support time management

Completing chores helps children prioritise and manage their time effectively. They learn how to meet deadlines and make decisions about when to complete must-do tasks throughout the day.

This fosters time management skills from a young age, which sets children up for success as they grow and need to manage their time more effectively. Such situations can include getting ready for big school, being on time for an interview, and catching up with friends.

They enhance problem-solving skills

When children encounter challenges while completing household chores, they learn to think creatively to find a solution. This supports their cognitive development as they practice their problem-solving skills.

This can positively impact how they deal with other challenging situations, such as at school, work, and personal relationships, later in their life. 

They teach children the value of money

Did you know that children who receive pocket money for doing chores are more likely to develop good money management skills as they get older?

By giving children pocket money for completing their chores, you are teaching them how money works and how they can earn it. This essential life skill translates into other areas of their life, including employment and saving, as they grow up. Therefore, your child is more likely to appreciate the value of money and be more responsible with it in the future.

Children learn the consequences of their actions

Delegating tasks helps children become more aware of the impact of their decisions. These consequences can be both positive and negative.

For example, if your child forgets to put their dirty clothes in the laundry, this is why their clothes are not clean. On the other hand, if they remember to water the garden, this translates to fresh vegetables for dinner.

Many parents focus on the negative consequences of not doing chores. But reinforcing the positive impact of chores too can motivate children to complete them as they recognise the positive impact of their actions.

Chores for children: Practical tips and advice

Start small: Chores don’t have to be massive time-consuming tasks! They can be small jobs relevant to your child’s age and developmental level. For example, unpacking their backpack after childcare, feeding a pet, or putting away their toys after playing with them.

Set clear and reasonable expectations: Have a family discussion about exactly what needs to be done and when. For example, “please put your plate in the sink after you finish eating breakfast”.

Do them together: Introduce your child to a new chore by doing it together! Over time, you can slowly step away until your child is confident in completing the chore independently. 

Be consistent: Changing routines and the frequency of housework can create confusion and frustration. Instead, stick to a consistent schedule and talk about when and how often a chore needs to be done.

Praise their efforts: Lots of praise is key! If your child recognises the positive impact of their actions, they are more likely to complete their chores and do them happily. You can praise them verbally, or use a rewards system as encouragement.

Chores are much more than household jobs that need to be done — they are a rich opportunity for connection, development, and learning. 

By giving your child chores tailored to their age and developmental level, you are helping them develop essential life skills that will benefit from a young age to later in life. It’s a win-win!

If you have any questions about this blog, feel free to reach out. Contact us on 1300 330 666 or email us at mail@reggioemilia.com.au. Our team will be more than happy to assist you.