Is it important for children to do household chores?
Getting the kids to help around the house has many advantages that benefit both you and them. Those few extra helping hands around the house can take a big load off your shoulders, especially in homes where both parents work. Keeping up with chores can be stressful with a busy schedule, so having your kids take a little time can help things run smoother for everyone.
Assigning your children chores is also a great way to help them learn responsibility. Even from a young age, having children do small chores, like making the bed or sweeping the kitchen floor, can help them on their way to bigger responsibilities. As they get older, they will have commitments to school and other extracurricular activities that will force them to act responsibly, and doing simple household chores is a big step in that direction.
Homework can also be used to teach children the value of a dollar if they are given an allowance. You can choose to pay them based on the number of tasks they completed that week, or offer them a fixed allowance that will only be awarded if all assigned tasks are completed. Either way, having to work for their money instead of just asking mom or dad for it will teach them how to better manage their spending habits. If they have to earn everything they buy, they will think more carefully about their purchases. They will also learn to appreciate the things you buy them.
If you think your children are still too young to manage their own allowance, set up a chore chart so that each child gets a star for each task they complete correctly. Once they’ve filled their entire table, take them to the candy store to pick out a special treat or let them pick their favorite dinner to help prepare that night. Move on to the assignment once they feel they are too old for the chore chart.
Don’t let your kids get away with doing their homework wrong, either. If they want to earn something for their hard work, they need to make sure it’s done right. This will teach them the importance of making sure a job is done right, a principle that will follow them through school and into the workforce. If you start these good habits early, they will become second nature to your children.
You don’t want to overload your children with homework during the school year. They need to know that school comes first, no matter what. However, this does not mean that they should use school as an excuse not to do their homework. Managing their time is an important skill they will need throughout their lives, so starting small tasks when they are younger will help them with larger tasks later.
