Giving Children Chores at Home

GIVING CHILDREN CHORES AT HOME
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An Expository Essay: Giving Children Chores at Home
As children grow and develop, they form many lifelong habits. In addition, they develop
a number of skills, both socially and cognitively. They learn at school and they learn in play.
They also learn at home. Most people would agree that one of the most important vehicles for
developing skills at home is through the assignment of household chores.
Household chores for children typically involve making beds, putting toys and clothes
away, feeding the family pet, sweeping the floor, taking out the trash, washing dishes, and so
forth. However, chores vary depending on a number of factors, including the various needs of
the family. What kinds of household chores to which children are assigned is often based on the
personal characteristics of the child, the social-environmental factors involving family values
and family composition, and the kinds of household tasks that must be completed1
. When
establishing chores, the parents should make certain that expectations are realistic2
. Is the child
capable of completing the chore and to what standards? To avoid possible misunderstanding,
hurt feelings, or resentment, parents should talk with and listen to their children to ensure that
their children see a fair and equitable distribution of family household chores and how
contributions are viewed3
.
Whatever the family needs, completing household chores allows children to develop skills desirable for
independent living later in life. These skills include participating with family members socially and
____________
1
 Dunn, L. (2004). Validation of the chores: A measure of school-aged children’s participation in household tasks. Scandinavian Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 11(1), 179-190.
2
 LaCaze, D., & Kirylo, J. D. (2012). Family connections: Addressing behavior issues: Practical tips for parents. Childhood Education,
88(1), 57-58. doi: 10.1080/00094056.2012.643728
3
 Ibid.
3
collaboratively. For example, children must learn to interact with family members
appropriately in order to complete tasks, which often include working collaboratively with
another family member. In addition, completing chores provides opportunity for children to
develop time-management skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and selfmonitoring skills. Furthermore, empirical evidence indicates that children who participate in
completing household chores are able to exercise better self-control, demonstrate positive social
behaviors, and have a less likelihood of developing behavioral problems4
. The skills developed
in completing household chores extend into lifetime healthy habits.
Another important point to keep in mind is that children often need guidance in staying
on task and remembering to complete their chores. A key to helping children complete chores on
a daily or weekly basis is having a consistent routine in place. Doing so helps children to develop
habits and understand expectations. Also, because children develop their thinking from the
concrete to the abstract, the use of visuals such as recording the completion of their tasks on a
chart is useful in their perceptions of accomplishments. Children should learn to record their own
accomplishments. They can do this with checks or with stickers, for example. Children develop a
satisfaction of seeing what they have accomplished, which may lead to their development later
of intrinsic motivation to cultivate a lifetime of healthy habits5
.
Knowing that they are contributing in a meaningful and important manner to the smooth
running of the household can provide a powerful sense of self-perception. Parents should strive
to acknowledge their children’s contributions.
____________
4
 Dunn, L. (2004). Validation of the chores: A measure of school-aged children’s participation in household tasks. Scandinavian Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 11(1), 179-190.
5
 Cline, F. W., & Fay, J. (1990). Parenting with love and logic: Teaching children responsibility. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinion
Press.
4
They can reward their children’s completion of chores with positive reinforcement, such
as giving a compliment for a job well-done, a pat on the back or a hug6
. Again, this can lead to
the child’s sense of intrinsic motivation and personal satisfaction.
____________
6
 Ricker, A., Calmes, R. E., & Sneyd, L. W. (2006).How happy families happen: Six steps to bringing emotional and spiritual
health into your home. Center City, MN: Hazelden.
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