Chores. According to a parent survey done by Braun, “28 percent said they regularly assign chores to their kids, even though 82 percent said they grew up doing chores themselves.” If you speak with other parents, you will find out parents have strong beliefs on both sides of the issue. Some believe kids need to be kids and shouldn’t worry about chores. Others feel there are many benefits to kids doing chores.
Kids need chores. If you search the internet, you will come across studies on this topic. The studies discuss how chores are beneficial
So why do kids need to do chores?!
The answer may differ from family to family. I
Reasons Kids Need Chores
#1: Teach Life Skills
One of the biggest reasons kids need chores is to teach life skills. It seems such a common belief that “kids just need to be kids.” Well, yes and no.
Kids need to enjoy playing and exploring. They also need to learn how to be an adult. Kids are not going to magically know how to run a household when they turn 18.
Chores teach children many things:
- how to clean a house- wash windows and floors, clean counters, scrub toilets, dust, etc.
- appropriate cleaning products for specific jobs
- how to do laundry
- where to take the trash and recycling- curbside or transfer station
- how to take care of animals- pets or livestock
- how and what yard work needs to be accomplished
- a cleaning schedule
As you can see, there are many LIFE SKILLS children need as an adult. Many seem to think watching someone load a dishwasher or vacuum will make them capable of doing it. It isn’t the case.
One day, I was listening to a radio morning show. The people were discussing skills kids didn’t know today. A mail-person called in and said a 20something stopped to ask her how to mail out a letter. The radio host admitted her daughter didn’t know how to use a manual can opener at 16 years of age.
It makes me sad.
It is a lousy feeling not knowing how to do basic skills as an adult. I know. One day my boss asked me to start the laundry. I looked at her and had to admit I didn’t know how to the laundry. No one taught me. I was 18!
Chores provide a way to learn such life skills.
#2: Family’s Help One Another
Throughout history, families have needed to work together for survival. Times may be a little different now, but it is still important. Families still need each other to make life easier.
One or two people cannot do all the chores. Well, they CAN, but it isn’t right. Everyone needs to take some of the responsibility so the family can function and run smoothly. A family is where children learn how to work together and contribute to something important.
#3: Work Ethic
Chores are a great way for kids to learn a work ethic. You work hard, do a good job, and keep working until the job is complete.
Life isn’t about putting your all into only the things that interest you. We have many things in life, like scrubbing toilets, we don’t want to do, but we do it.
I often ask my kids if they see me super excited and cheering, “Woohoo! I get to go shovel poop out of the chicken coop today. I can’t wait!” They groan but get the point. I do it because it has to get done.
Life is like that. Chores help kids develop a work ethic that will help them later in life.
#4: Money Management
I struggled with trying to figure out whether to pay my kids for doing chores. In the end, I decided to pay them…with conditions. I wanted my kids to learn how to manage money. I could do this with chores.
However, here are my conditions. My kids are paid a small amount for each chore they complete. These are chores seen as extra jobs. Jobs that help my husband and me, like sweeping or cleaning the litter box. I don’t pay for MUST DOs like making the bed and cleaning their room.
Manage Money:
Paid chores allow children to learn how to manage their money. They learn how to save and what to spend their money on. They will make some poor choices with their money, but it is a learning opportunity.
My daughter wanted to buy something called Wuggle Pets years ago. It was $20, and I knew it was a waste of money for her. I let her buy it, though. After all, it was her money. To this day she remembers this. She ended up realizing it was a waste of money. She thinks, now, before she makes purchases. She learned a valuable lesson.
Saving Money:
Another benefit of paid chores is using it as an opportunity to teach children about saving money. Maybe there is a big item they want. Kids can learn to save up their chore money so they can buy it. What a great life skill!
Earn Money for Work:
I love using chores as a way to teach my kids about money. They have learned working = money; not working = no money.
Kids need chores. Chores teach kids life skills and a work ethic. They learn the importance of working together as a family. Plus chore money can be a great way to teach money management. Chores are a kid’s first job. We need to teach our kids these skills so they can be successful, competent adults.
Do your kids have chores? Why or why not? Share below.
Well said!
Thank you!