By Ene Osang
Doing chores is a tradition in many families. Chores help kids learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house.
Experts have said the Value of chores for children says is by feeling needed and to know that one is making a contribution — even kids. It is important for a child to know he or she have some responsibilities, even though there might be many pitfalls.
• How do you get your kids onboard?
Pitfalls to Avoid When it Comes to Chores
-Don’t insist on perfection.
No one is perfect, and it’s better to have a more relaxed approach to how well your kids do their chores. Otherwise, you might have a struggle on your hands. Or you might jump in and do it for them, which would undermine the whole point.
-Don’t delay. You might think your child is too young.
But your kids may be more capable than you think. Kids can do a lot of chores at an early stage, For example, getting clothes to the laundry or cleaning up after dinner.
Most parents hold back too long because they think childrren ought to be ready first. But that puts the cart before the horse. That is, they’ll learn by doing.
-Don’t be stingy with praise.
Get that praise going right away! Don’t wait until the chore is done. Praise and encourage the child while the chore is in progress. You want to build positive momentum, especially with young kids.
-Don’t be inconsistent.
Elizabeth Pantley, author of parenting books including Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate, says if your kids aren’t expected to regularly follow through, they might start putting chores off in the hope that someone else will do them for them.
-Make a Chores Chart
“Create a list of every job it takes to keep a family going.” Have kids pick out the chores they’d most like to do. Then create a chart.
First, check that everyone has an age-appropriate chore. Then divide the chart into three columns. One is for the list of chores and whose chore it is; another is for deadlines; the last one is for making a check mark when the chore is done. Put the chart where everyone can see it and let everyone follow through on their own assignments.
You might actually find it easiest to have two charts: one for daily household chores and one for weekly household chores.
-Be specific with instructions.
For example, asking children to”’Clean their room’ is vague and can be interpreted in any number of ways. Instead, be explicit by saying, ‘Put your clothes in the closet, books on the shelf, dishes in the kitchen, and toys in the toy box.’”
-Ease into chores for children.
First, show them how to do the chore step by step. Next, let your child help you do it. Then have your child do the chore as you supervise. Once your child has it mastered, she’s ready to go solo.
-Go easy with reminders and deadlines.
You want the chore to get done without you micromanaging it. For example, say, “When the pets are fed, then you may have your dinner.”
