From a very young age, I was taught to take care of my house and all of the chores that came with it. At that age, I didn’t understand that learning those chores would help me in the long run and that it would make me a more responsible and mature person. Doing chores around the home teaches children essential life skills that they carry throughout their lives. By expecting children to complete simple tasks around the home, parents give them the necessary skills to function independently in the real world.

Teaching children to do their own chores allows them to have a sense of responsibility towards themselves and their family members. A child who does their own laundry and their family members’ laundry as well understands the importance of contributing to the household. Assigning chores not only helps them become responsible as a person, but academically responsible as well, because children learn that doing their own homework on time and in an efficient manner can lead to rewards such as good grades and a sense of accomplishment. This leads to higher self-esteem which is something that should be integrated into a child at a young age, as it affects them well into the future. Studies have shown that children who complete household chores can handle failure better because they have other core competency strengths that they can rely on for self-assessment. They know that they may not be good at everything, but they will know that they can take care of themselves and have skills that they will need as an adult.

Holding children accountable for their own tasks teaches them maturity and the value of parents in their lives. It helps them realize all the things parents do for them and how hard they work for us. This helps children be more kind and respectful to their parents and others as well.

If children aren’t taught to do their own chores at a young age, it affects them down the road at an older age. For example, a child who isn’t taught to wash the dishes, make their own bed, or help clean the kitchen may struggle at a later age when they need to, such as when they are in college. There is nothing more unfortunate than seeing an 18-year-old fail to wash their own plate properly, clean the kitchen, or even do their own laundry. Doing chores also helps establish cleanliness, which is very important because having a clean and tidy place allows a clear state of mind.

Your actions become your habits. Children who do their chores keep that habit for life and this is seen when they don’t have to be told to their own bed or to wash the dishes because they acknowledge the fact that they need to do it. Parents who don’t allow their children to do these simple chores are not setting them up to become independent individuals. It is crucial that parents teach these skills because it not only helps them become more mature and responsible, but it helps them become better individuals as well. So parents, please teach your children how to do household chores.