How to Get Your Kids Involved and the Benefits of Doing So
Chores are a topic that many parents dread. Ask any parent and you can be sure they’ve heard the words, “I’ll do it later!” or, “But I don’t want to!” more than once. Avoiding chores is normal for young children. It stems from an inherent lack of judgement, impulsiveness, and a tendency to be self-absorbed. Judgement, patience, and awareness are not traits that anyone is born with, but must be developed over time both at home and in school and daycare in Ottawa.
The Importance of Chores
It’s very important for parents to get their children involved around the house at an early age. According to a 2002 study by Marty Rossman at the University of Minnesota, children who participate in family chores, starting at ages 3 to 4, are more successful in their 20s.
The research also concluded that the later children are introduced to chores, the harder it is to catch up and the more likely they are to become self-centered. In addition to this, daycare-aged children in Ottawa who have a set of chores will often:
- Be more empathetic
- Have higher self-esteem
- Be better at delaying gratification
- Be more responsible
- Be more disciplined
- Learn the value of hard work
Introducing your daycare-aged child to chores plays an important role in their long-term development. You may still be wondering what the best ways to approach the subject are, though. For starters, you should consider the following:
- What chores need doing in your home?
- Are there specific skills you want your child to work on?
- Will you compensate chores with an allowance?
- What chores are appropriate for your child?
The Right Stuff
The last point is the most important to consider. After all, a chore that is too difficult can be frustrating for your child to complete. On the other hand, a chore that is too simple may not make the impact you were hoping for. If your child is between 3 and 5, here are a few age-appropriate chore ideas:
- Pick up toys
- Hang clothes on hooks/put dirty clothes in hamper
- Make their bed
- Set the table
- Help carry groceries (one or two light items)
- Clean up any spills or messes while eating
- Feed pet(s)
- Help prepare meals (with your supervision)
- Bring in the mail
Though they might not always make it easy, introducing chores to your children is something they will thank you for in the long run! It helps reinforce lessons they learn at school and daycare in Ottawa, letting them grow into productive adults later in life.
