Family Health

The value of chores

Chore time can pave the way for deeper connection Chores now mean greater competence later

HOUSEHOLD CHORES ARE generally viewed as dreaded obligations that no one wants to do. But with a little reframing, a touch of playfulness and a well-earned reward on the other end, house and yard work can actually provide parents with some excellent ways to teach their kids the value of teamwork, cooperation, responsibility, taking initiative and the concept of a job well done.

And research backs this up. A study titled Involving Children in Household Tasks: Is it worth the effort? conducted by Marty Rossman, emeritus associate professor of family education at the University of Minnesota, found that by “involving children in tasks, parents teach their children a sense of responsibility, competence, selfreliance, and self-worth that stays with them throughout their lives.” And Rossman says the earlier children start helping out, the better. So when it’s time to get all the toys off the floor and into the toy box, get your little one to take part. They will thank you down the road.

To engage them, make it fun

FAMILIES ARE USUALLY RUNNING in a million different directions. Between work, school, after-school activities and homework, there is often little opportunity for those meaningful conversations that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds. But chores done as a family can set the stage for you and your kids to have those unstructured conversations that might not come up during the usual course of the day.

You can suggest a specific topic or just let things unfold naturally. Another way to approach chore time in a way that is both productive and promotes interaction, is to do fun knowledge challenges such as having your child name all 50 states or state capitals, or name all the U.S. presidents, or practice spelling words, or doing times tables. The possibilities are endless. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY makes Jack a dull boy, but what if Jack gets to jump into a big pile of leaves before putting them into the leaf bag?

And what if vacuuming is not just vacuuming but is also a dance competition? It may sound silly and will likely look even sillier, but if the vacuum is on, it’s sucking up the dirt no matter what kind of crazy dance steps are happening at the other end of the handle, and meantime, the idea that chores don’t have to be drudgery is taking root in your child’s mind.

Another way to liven things up— combine some fun, predictable traditions to go with chore day. For example, the morning can start with a favorite breakfast food like pancakes, kids can choose music to accompany their chores and they can vote on what the reward will be once the chores are completed.