Why are chores important? When our kids were young, we focused on each developmental stage and what they have achieve when they are 3 month old, 6 month old. I waited my son to learn how to make a knot and tie his shoes. It was excited to see him put on his shoes by himself.
But after they were able to learn certain life skills, I was doing everything around the house. Recently, a wonderful friend reminded that I do not have to do everything and I am just exhausting myself and plus it is not good for the children. They grow up either relying others to do what they need to do or doing everything on their own, not asking others’ help thinking that is what is best for them.
Why Bother When I can Do It Faster
First of all, you do not want your child to do everything around the house when they grow up. It is much happier to know that certain things are taken care when you are away for a few hours. Second of all, you want your children to have broader perspective than what they need or what they want.
Chores gives chance for them to make mistake and to learn from these mistakes. Making mistake and learning from the mistake is very important skill that your child needs in order to live properly. What if they break some dishes? They learn to acknowledge that they are more important than the dish, and what matters is that they do not get hurt, not how many dishes they broke or how precious and expensive the dish was.
Teaching chores like taking out the trash, doing laundry takes time but kids love learning new skills and having a routine/system that they need to do to do raises them to be aware of things needed instead being selfish and becomes I do only what I need.
How can I teach them certain chores?
I once saw one mother yelling that her child cannot put on his shoes. It did seem like he was rather not taught or needed more time and the parent was not patient enough for the child because he was definitely trying but taking a couple minutes, not a few seconds like adults. Yelling at your child for not being able to do certain things or doing things slower, makes the child anxious that they are not loved because they are not fast enough or feels not accepted from parents. It is very important to remind them that you love them no matter how long it takes; gives them assurance that it is okay to be slow and you are patient as the Lord is patient with you to change.
Best way your kids will learn chores is first talk to them, “You will be doing laundry next time and watch what I do.”
Next, you can tell them to try on their own. You can ask them, “Can you try to do it from what you saw me doing?” Then, watch several times before you ask them to do the chore.
Be Consistent and Give Incentives
Lastly, be consistent and keep reminding them until chores are part of the routine and habit. As a homeschooler, we have a lot of opportunities to reinforce as chores can be incorporated as a part of homeschool routine.
Corinne from the Pragmatic Parent shared “Earn Your Screen Time Checklist,” and I thought it was just wonderful reminder what kids need to finish before they get their screen time.
Upcoming Event
Kids Cook Real Food is hosting Life Skills Summer Camp from July 17-19. Kids can learn basic skills for communication, handing big emotions, life skills like cooking, organizing, and screen wellness as well as understanding of money and business. And they are totally free online. Get a free family pass to #LifeSkillsNow Summer Mini-Camp!
List of Chores/Life Skills
- Organize shoes
- Tie your shoes
- Put away your clothes after you change
- Wash dishes
- Put away toys
- Clean the table
- Make fried egg, pancake, cookie/Cook
- Water the plant, Feed fish
More Resources
Are you starting homeschooling this coming year or need to review basics of homeschooling? Check out our resources on starting homeschooling.