By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album

Reviewed by Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

Getting children to pitch in and do chores can sometimes be frustrating for parents. At times, it may seem easier to just do the jobs ourselves. Still, experts advise that helping with household tasks helps children understand how to be part of a team, makes them feel competent, and builds their self esteem.

Start young children off with simple tasks like putting away toys and placing dirty clothes in the hamper.

By school age, most children should be able to clean their rooms, assist with yardwork, and care for pets. During the teen years, more complex jobs like doing laundry and dishes, cleaning bathrooms, and preparing their own lunches are all good possibilities. Remember, though, that learning to do chores is a gradual process, so don’t expect children to master new tasks immediately.

To help chores go more smoothly, make sure responsibilities are clearly spelled out, and try posting a chart or list with stars or stickers for completed tasks. Doing chores at the same time every day or every week can also help. Have regular family meetings to talk about how things are going, and make changes as needed. If chores aren’t done, it may be necessary to impose consequences, but don’t scold or lecture. Make sure to encourage and praise children for their good work and keep an upbeat attitude. Finally, if you’ve been trying to institute simple chores with no success, and particularly if you see similar issues in other areas of your child’s life, speak to your pediatrician.

(Image credit: Summer chore chart by Mary-Frances Main. CC license.)

(Originally published as: Church, C. (2013). Chores and your child. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012a). Family life: Chores and responsibility. Retrieved from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/pages/Chores-and-Responsibility.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012b). Family life: Household chores for adolescents. Retrieved from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Household-Chores-for-Adolescents.aspx

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