Should kids do chores?

Should kids do chores? For many parents, it’s a no-brainer, but as we all know, implementing the idea can be a chore in itself. Here’s how and why setting tasks is good for your kids.

The news that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge expect their three children to do chores at home is good news for parents trying to show their kids that everyone (even Princes and Princesses) needs to muck in and help out at home.

 

This idea has been strengthened by the results of an 85-year multigenerational study conducted by Harvard Research. The study found a strong correlation between doing chores as a child and professional success and happiness as an adult. 

 

The findings also showed that shared responsibilities help children develop greater self-worth and confidence, a strong work ethic, and empathy for others.

 

Why we need to be setting chores

 

Of course, not everyone believes that kids should do chores, but if you’re a parent who does, it’s worth knowing that research also shows that chores make kids happier. Plus, the earlier you start assigning little tasks, the better. Seemingly insignificant chores like picking up toys, setting the table, folding laundry, and taking plates to the sink are valuable building blocks toward a child’s independence.

 

In a study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, researchers questioned almost 10,000 elementary school–age children about pitching in at home. Those given chores at a young age showed clear advantages by Year 3 of school, especially around self-confidence and self-efficacy.

 

Why? Well, being able to do something you see others do feels good, and receiving praise for accomplishments feels even better, even if it's something as small as cleaning your teeth or tidying your bed. 

 

Kids involved in shared responsibilities also have a greater sense of self-worth. They’re more willing to help and develop a better work ethic in the long run.

 

Finally, let’s face it: chores are life skills. At some point, all children will need to know how to cook, clean, take rubbish out, and collaborate with others. Starting early helps them see the importance of fine-tuning these skills.

 

Encouraging teamwork and family contribution

 

Of course, the most challenging part of setting chores is ensuring your kids do their bit without you having to nag them.

 

Despite this, parenting expert and author Sue Atkins believes it’s important to give kids chores and says, “Giving kids chores not only lightens your workload but also encourages teamwork and discipline. Your kids get to understand that they are an important cog in your family wheel. It also makes them realise that you aren’t there just to pick up and clean up after them, which eases any frustration you may have about being taken for granted.”

 

A chore chart that maps out what your child needs to do and when helps younger children. This encourages accountability and also prevents you from having to remind them of what’s expected.

 

Paying for chores is also an option for children and teens. While not for everyone, this is one way to teach your children the correlation between work and earning. Our latest research shows that 77% of GoHenry kids top up their funds by doing chores around the house.

 

Top 10 chores

 

 

Based on 311,832 active GoHenry members between 28/06/22 and 27/06/23, compared to the same group of members also active between 28/06/23 and 27/06/24

 

Practical tips for implementing chores

 

Younger kids

Toddlers and younger children love helping out, so it’s not hard to get them to help you around the house. Let them do things with you, from folding laundry to tidying away toys and making their beds.

 

Make chores enjoyable, such as turning tasks into games or setting them to music. As they get older, assign them their own chores (choose something they love) so they can own what they do.

 

School-age kids

A chore chart to visually organise and track tasks is a great way to set chores for school-age children. You can use a sticker chart or even play chore bingo, a great game for school-age children.

 

Make a bingo card with a 5x5 grid. Each square contains a chore, such as vacuuming the living room, taking out the trash, or folding laundry.

Decide on rewards for completing a row, column, or the entire card. These could be extra screen time, a small treat, or choosing a family activity.

Tailor the chores to your child's age and abilities. You can even mix in some fun tasks like "Draw a picture" or "Tell a joke."

 

As your child completes each chore, they can mark off the square. To make it more engaging, use stickers or stamps.

 

When they complete a bingo (an entire row, column, or diagonal), celebrate their hard work with the chosen reward!

 

Teenagers

Getting your teens to do chores is not always easy, so starting them early helps maintain the momentum of mucking in and helping out. That said, framing chores as life skills is an excellent way to rope in teens.

 

Choose more complex chores for older teens, perhaps cleaning the car, making dinner, or helping younger siblings with homework. Expand their chores with more responsibilities, and discuss with them what would work as a reward - more screen time, going out, or a later bedtime.

 

Ultimately, no matter your child’s age, constantly increasing the complexity of chores and changing what your kids do will help keep them motivated and foster a sense of accomplishment. This will empower them to become capable, confident individuals, preparing them for future success.