When we see ads on TV in which the entire family is cooking dinner together or setting up the dinner table, it feels so satisfying. Right? We start to picturize our perfect family in that ad. But when it comes to implementing that in reality then we are in a dilemma.   Sometimes parents wonder if they should really give their kids chores. Kids need an opportunity to ‘just be kids’ for now because they have the rest of their lives to worry about chores? Then what about teaching them to take responsibility. Despite those concerns, however, giving your child chores may be one of the most important things you’ll ever do. Let’s see how

 

• They believe in their capabilities: They gain confidence when they are able to finish the task. Kids take pride in imitating adults. When they are able to finish small tasks then they gain confidence in handling the bigger ones.

 

• They understand responsibility: It may seem obvious, but your child won’t learn how to be self-sufficient if s(he) never learns how to do something himself. Start with simple chores like making their own bed or putting their laundry in the washing machine. When they understand that if they do not put their clothes out for laundry then they won’t be having any clean clothes for a new week, they will take responsibility for their own things.

 

• It teaches the importance of hard work: It is a continuation of the previous point. If we keep doing their stuff then they will never understand the importance of hard work. Whatever they are doing need not have to be big or complicated and which requires a lot of time and effort. Every task whether it is big or small needs our effort, time, and energy. When they will do things on their own or help you in household chores say setting up the dinner table or folding the laundry or unloading the dishwasher etc they will see that these things don’t happen on their own. There is someone who is investing their time and energy to make them happen.

 

• Respect towards others: This is a continuation of the previous point. When they understand why their clothes are always look ironed or why their study table or their shelves look clean and organized, they will develop respect towards the work and the person doing it for them. Many times, parents complain that their kids don’t value their help or they don’t understand what all they do to make their lives easy. The truth is they won’t know until they do those things on their own. So, if you are among those parents then ask your child to do such chores.

 

• They will develop empathy:   Kids have an innate desire to be helpers, and chores build on this by teaching them how to take care of others, which engenders empathy and responsiveness.

 

 

• They will build self-esteem: By assigning tasks that tee your children up for success, you’re giving them an opportunity to experience accomplishment and feel good about themselves. Kids become aware that, by taking on responsibilities, it feels good to meet their obligations and complete tasks—and to receive recognition and praise from people they care about.

 

• It teaches them problem-solving skills: Say, if you have asked your Kindergartener to clean up the toys and put them at their designated places then they will try to see what’s the most efficient way to pick up toys and arrange them? Similarly, for your older kids, what are some space-saving strategies when loading the dishwasher? What can be done the night before to make school mornings less rushed? All these are routine examples where kids can be easily involved.

 

• It gives them an opportunity for connection: For example, if you decide to clean your backyard over the weekend and you make it a family activity then it’s a perfect time for connection. Many times, kids open up more or talk more about things in a natural manner.

 

Involving kids in household chores means giving them those set of skills that they will cherish forever. They will grow up with a great set of skills that can help them throughout their lives. Running a home is one of the main life skills you can learn, and it is one of our main jobs as parents to give our children the skills to live independently.