How important are chores to the development of my child?

Over the years my partner Nick and I have met hundreds of young people that don't know the basics in cleaning and work in general. They don't know how to clean a toilet properly, how to scrub a tub, they don't even know how to use a washer and dryer.

But its not just that they don't know how to clean. Young people don't know the importance of coming to work on-time, doing a good job at what they do, that things don't come for free and that getting a job is going to consist of actually working.....

Not teaching our children the basics and importance of household upkeep is creating a generation of young adults that do not know how to take care of themselves or their homes and do not understand the importance of chipping in and helping the family unit to function.

Giving our children chores not only teaches them basic life skills but it also teaches them some very important life lessons such as:

• Responsibility - Assigning chores gives your child a sense of responsibility for the functioning of the home. 
• Discipline - Children learn that doing their chores comes before fun. Just like with homework, chores are a responsibility that need to be accomplished before video games or playing with friends.
• Time Management - When assigned chores are required to be done before play, children learn how to manage their time in order to accomplish their responsibilities and still make time to play hide-and-seek with the neighbors.
• Work Ethic - At a young age, children can be taught that working is a vital part of life and that if you want something (allowance, fun, etc.) you need to work for it.
• Team Work - Assigning kids chores gives them a sense of being part of the 'team'. They begin to see that they play a significant role in the family unit.   
• Self-Esteem -When your child completes a chore (even if they grumble and gripe before, during and after) it gives them a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

So as you can see, teaching your child the importance of completing an assigned chore in an efficient, effective and timely manner will not only help the family in the present, but will also assist your child in their older years when they begin school and then work. They will already understand the importance of completing their assigned tasks (homework or job) and that their teacher or employer is relying on them to accomplish what is assigned.

So make a chore chart, get smiley face stickers and start teaching your kids how to do chores around the house. Trust me, their Teachers and Employers will thank you!

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