154. July 2021 – Chores for Children

Website Educational Tip for Physical Development

Chores and other household duties are equally enriching experiences for
children’s physical growth and development. Having children learn to work
by helping out with family chores and yardwork is an excellent way to raise
good children.

According to the Center for Parenting Education, “Research indicates that
those children who do have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are
more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay
gratification, all of which contribute to grater success in school. In an
age where academic achievement is a huge priority for parents and children,
the simple task of giving children a daily set of chores may allow them to
pull ahead of their peers.

As it turns out, the best predictor of children’s success is something
parents have more control over than they think. Marty Rossman, a researcher
at the University of Mississippi, stated that “…involving children in
household tasks at an early age can have a positive impact later in life.
The best predictor of young adults’ success in their mid 20’s was that they
participated in household tasks when they were three or four.”

Infants: Help to Pick-up Toys:

Start small with young children by asking them to hand you toys they were
playing with so you can put them back on the shelves. These small tasks
will build the habit of performing daily chores.

Toddlers:
Help Setting The Table:

As young children get older they are able to take on more responsibilities,
such as helping their parents set the table for meals. Toddlers can begin
by putting the silverware besides the plates. This will also teach them not
to eat with their hands and how to eat properly.

Preschoolers: Clean Their Bedroom:

Parents can give their older children more autonomy by having them make
their beds each morning when they get up and keeping their room tidy. It
doesn’t have to be perfect and as they get older it will get better.

Unfortunately, despite the enormous benefits of daily chores for children,
the percentage of children who help with daily household tasks seems to be
dwindling. A survey by Braun Research indicated that 82 percent of adults
stated that they had chores when they were kids, but these same adults
reported that only 28 percent of them had their own children do chores.

It’s up to us to change the trend. Model positive behaviors to your
children by refraining from complaining about your own household tasks, and
having a good attitude about your own chores, such as making dinner and
doing laundry. Try to find ways to make chores fun, like listening to music
or singing a clean up song while you work.

Dreams Come True For Those Who Work While They Dream.