As wives and moms, our list of to-dos is ever growing. Throughout the day we are always doing things for our husbands, kids, and the list goes on and on. Then if we try to throw in a little self-care, it can feel like the list never ends. So it is important that we do not try to take on everything ourselves and get the help we need.
While having your kids help with chores around the house will help you get things checked off your list. Having your kids do chores is more about good parenting than about getting things done. There are three reasons why all kids need chores that is for their benefit.
Kids Need Chores Because It Teaches Them Responsibility Early
As parents, we are responsible for our kids, but it does not mean we cannot teach them to be responsible for themselves as well. The earlier the better.
For each will have to bear his own load.
Galatians 6:5 (ESV)
Something as simple as having them clean up after themselves can go a long way.
Our kids have a lot of stuff and often create a lot of mess. So making sure they are responsible for taking care of some of their own things is so important. They learn to be responsible for themselves, the messes they make, and to take care of the things they own.
My girls have had little chores since they were very young. Over time, the list has gotten a little longer and the responsibility greater. There is no reason why a two-year-old cannot help pick up their own toys. Or why a 4-year-old cannot help collect trash from the small trashcans throughout the house on garbage pick-up day.
The list of chores we have our kids do can be varied and should be age-appropriate. The chore they do is not as important as the responsibility it teaches.
It Teaches Them To Do For Others
From birth, we are all a little self-centered. We have needs and wants, and want them all met right then. Then as we get older the words “No” and “Mine” are often the first few words we learn. So doing for others and not being selfish is something that we have to learn. Giving our kids chores is a great way to teach our kids this.
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone- especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:10 (NLT)
Simple chores like setting the table for dinner or helping to wash your car. Chores like this help our kids to learn that everything they do does not have to directly benefit them. As a family, our kids need to know we all have a responsibility to care and love each other.
What we teach at home is carried with them into the world and through life. Our kids will carry this sense of responsibility and love over into their schools and community. So making sure we are teaching our kids to do for others early in our homes is so important.
Kids Need Chores Because It’s Not About the Short Term Actions, But The Long-term Gains
Although there are many immediate gains from our kids doing chores, like having a cleaner house or shared family responsibilities. The long-term gains are so much more important.
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
Having thoughtful, responsible, and loving kids is something every mom wants. In the big scheme of things, how well our kids pick up their toys or even if they remember to do so is not the most important thing. It’s about instilling in them the sense of responsibility and care for others that is most important.
When I was younger, I never thought that my mom having me do chores had anything to do with me. I just thought that she wanted to do things she did not want to do. Now that I am a mom, I know that was not the case. Although our parents may not have wanted to do the chores they had us do, we benefited in the long-term. So it is important as moms, we do the same thing for our kids for these three very important reasons.
I’d love to hear what chores you have your kids do.
And if not yet, what chores will you start having your kids do in the comments!
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I agree, kids need responsibilities and as a parent it is much easier to take care of ot yourself than make your kids participate. My kids are grown and because they had chores they are very selfsufficient.
My child has disability, he has down syndrome. I read once a book about parenting kids with DS that a sure way to destroy their life is by not giving them chores. Chores should be started as early as possible, preferable at age 4, so that they start taking responsibility inside the house and would start training on how to be responsible and independent
I love this! I saw you on facebook and had to see this post! Great job Mama!!!!
Agreed, chores are so important!
Love this post! I really didn’t think about chores creating a habit to help others. I know chores are important to discipline them but I really never thought about how much good it did for them
I could not agree more. My son is 3 and he has some small chores that I ask him to do.
I couldn’t agree with you more. When we started having our daughters do chores, we saw a big difference.
Chores are such an essential part of parenting! It’s always a good reminder though when busy summer days hit with baseball.
They are adorable! We started chores at a young age and I think it really helped us as we got older!
I missed this learning opportunity with my oldest. I am realizing the importance a day too late!
You are definitely not alone, Tami. Parenting is definitely one of those jobs that comes without a real manual and just a lot of on the job training. While in the midst of it all, we all miss somethings.
I keep struggling to find age-appropriate chores for my kids. But it’s something we’re working on!
I have been trying out new things as well with my girls, Rachel. I have the basics, but want some creative chores as well.
Totally agree. My boys make their beds, clean up in the morning, and clear their plates for every meal. It is a HUGe help for me and teaches them responsibility.
My girls do the same things, Amanda.
Not only did I grow up with doing chores in my parent’s home but, I recommend organized chores for children. Although the kids may resist, chores like sweeping the kitchen floor, vacuuming the living area, washing dishes with a parent, taking out the garbage are important to the family unit and help build self-worth in the child.
The children may need teamwork supervision at first but “a family that works together, appreciates each other more” in the long run. It is important that children have modeled for them through their parents the importance of keeping a 🏠 house and making it their home.
If you start training your children when they are young, the older they get, the easier that training will be. Good job teaching your girls when they are little!
I completely agree! I always had chores to do growing up and I think it taught me so much about discipline and doing the things that aren’t fun but help have a nice life. 🙂
So true! Chores make such a difference in kids’ lives! Your kids are darling!
I love this and could not agree more. I remember growing up and being given chores with no compensation… besides the satisfaction of completing a task! Thanks for sharing!
Well said! I couldn’t agree more. I am working on a daily chore chart to include just a few extra chores during these summer months.
I couldn’t agree more! I am working on a daily chore chart for my kids to include more chores during these summer months while they aren’t in school. The sooner they get them done the sooner we can have fun!
I love how you started the chores with your girls at an early age. It makes me realize that I need to start putting some thought into what little chores my 19 month old can help with. She takes interest in the dishwasher, so maybe I can have her help me empty it. I agree with chores helping teach them to do for others— such a great point!
I couldn’t agree more, Ayanna! Chores are such an important thing to learn because it teaches them about responsibility and that is one thing they should know ASAP
My boys empty the dishwasher and the trash cans. It doesn’t take them very long, but it is a big help to me. Plus, it’s good for them to participate in upkeep of the household. I smiled when you said you never realized chores had anything to do with you. You just thought your mom didn’t want to do those chores. LOL. I think all kids feel that way!
I totally agree with this! My son is four and has been doing chores since he was two! As long as they are age appropriate, I feel like it really enriches our children. He loves to help me with the laundry, help clear the table after dinner, and help put away the groceries. I don’t even have to ask! Thanks for sharing. Awesome article!
Couldn’t agree with you more on this subject. Our kids learned to clean the house, cook, bake and garden just to name a few things by working beside us. They were a part of the family and expected to help out and give and serve.
I absolutely agree with you. I think as a society we’ve fallen away from requiring kids to do chores and it has not been good for our kids!
Love this! I grew up with lots of chores and definitely think it helped me!
I 100% agree that chores are necessary for kids! I am working on adding more complex chores for my kids.