As much as we parents love to protect our children, we are also responsible for preparing and teaching them about the different realities of life. The ability to cope with disappointments, accept the consequences of our actions, develop problem-solving skills, and become functional, independent adults depends largely on our parenting choices.
Self-respect, responsibility and accountability are not things that come naturally to babies and young children. We must repeatedly teach them, show them, and help them develop these traits and skills through our own actions as well as the expectations we set for them.
Benefits for both child and family
Children can learn a lot by doing household chores. Children are helped to learn what they need to do to take care of themselves, home and family. They learn skills they will use in their adult lives, such as food preparation, cleaning, organizing, and tending a garden.
Children experience the dignity of relationships by engaging in tasks such as communicating clearly, negotiating, cooperating, and working as a team.
When children contribute to family life, it helps them feel capable and responsible. Even if they don’t enjoy working, they get a sense of satisfaction when they complete the task.
And sharing homework can also help families work better and reduce family stress. When children help, work gets done faster, and parents have to do less work. This frees up time for the family to have fun together.
Involving children in household chores should be appropriate to the age and abilities of your children. A chore that is too difficult for a child may be frustrating or dangerous – and a chore that is too easy, may be boring.
Even a young child can start helping if you choose activities that are right for his age. You can start with simple tasks like taking care of his own toys. Such tasks send the message to your child that his contribution is important.
It is also important to think about the tasks your child is involved in taking care of the family as a whole. A simple chore is getting your child to help set or clear the table. These tasks will give your child a sense of responsibility and participation.
If your child is old enough, you can discuss household chores. This can reinforce the idea that the entire family has a say in how the household is run. Children over six years of age can help decide what work they like.
How to motivate a child?
1. Parents should accompany the child until his/her child is ready to do the given task alone.
2. Being clear about what each person’s tasks are for each day or week – writing them down so they’re easy to remember.
3. It is important to talk to your child about why it is important to help with household chores and why it is a good thing.
4. Be sure to share feedback with your child on how they did when they completed their work.
5. Praising positive behavior.
6. Use a reward chart to remember rewarding tasks and be sure to offer small rewards like choosing a TV program or a favorite meal.
7. Pocket money can also be decided so that the child will have the enthusiasm to complete the given work.
| 2 to 4-year-old child | 4 to 5-year-old child | 5 to 7-year-old child |
| pick up toys and books | setting the table for a meal | Watering the garden/plants. |
| put clothes in place | assist in food preparation under supervision | Feeding pets. |
| setting plates, glasses and other utensils on the dining table | Keeping clean clothes in a fixed place | cleaning bathroom sink |
| cleaning up toys | Helping with grocery shopping and storage | Wipe the kitchen slab, clean the floor |
| watering plants | helping to dry wet clothes | helping with hanging clothes and washing clothes |
| Help prepare and serve meals. |