Put away the silverware. Fold the towels. Feed the dog. Bring in the mail.
There is a myriad of ways in which kids – starting as early as age 2 – can help out around the house. While some of this “helping” isn’t actually that helpful, there is strong evidence that you should require your kids to do chores anyway.
Research demonstrates that kids who have regular chores do better in school, have higher life satisfaction, and better know how to care for themselves.
- One study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics surveyed nearly 10,000 parents of children entering kindergarten in 2010 and 2011. Three years later, the researchers surveyed the children as they were entering third grade and conducted academic assessments. Children who did more chores in kindergarten scored significantly higher in their academic abilities, peer relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
- In another study published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, parents and guardians of more than 200 children aged 5 to 13 completed surveys about their children’s participation in household tasks and executive functioning. Children who participated in more household chores had better working memory and better inhibitory control, which is the ability to stop an impulse and make a more appropriate choice. This was true for kids who participated in self-care chores, such as making their own lunch, and family-care chores, such as helping prepare dinner for the family.
- A third study published in the Occupational Therapy Journal of Research surveyed 165 youth with chronic medical conditions and their parents. Youth with regular household chores scored better in surveys designed to measure their readiness to manage their health conditions independently and also demonstrated better communication with health-care providers compared to youth who did not complete chores.
The evidence is fairly clear: Chores are good for kids. There are some easy guidelines to follow if you’d like to encourage your children to start helping around the house.
- Start early. Kids as young as two or three years old can pick up their toys or wipe off the countertops.
- Be consistent. Follow a routine so your child knows what to expect.
- Don’t expect perfection. If your child is helping with a willing attitude, don’t criticize the job they’re doing. Instead, make sure you provide plenty of praise and encouragement.
- Be specific. “Clean your room,” can be interpreted in many ways. Instead, try giving more detailed directions such as, “Pick up your dirty laundry and put your toys on the shelf.”
If you’re not sure where to start, the Child Development Institute offers lists of chores for children of all ages.
The take-home message: Put those kids to work! The evidence demonstrates that household chores benefit children.
