October 17, 2002
Shirley Doering, Regional Extension Educator
507-389-8142
Household Chores Teach Children Lifelong Values
Tasks such as taking out the trash, helping with the laundry, washing the dishes, making the bed and putting away toys can make a big difference in your child’s future according to University of Minnesota research. Shirley Doering, Regional Educator for 4-H Youth Development comments that the research shows that involving children in household tasks at an early age can have a positive impact later in life. They learn a sense of responsibility, competence, self-reliance and self-worth that stays with them throughout their lives according to Doering.
The research work was done by Marty Rossmann, U of MN associate professor for family education. Rossmann noted that how the tasks were presented also influenced children’s ability to become well-adjusted adults. The tasks should not be too overwhelming; parents should present the tasks in a way that fits the child’s preferred learning style; and children should be involved in determining the tasks they will complete. It is suggested that this involvement be through family meetings and methods such as a weekly chore chart. Rossmann also notes that children should not be made to do the tasks for an allowance. She also noted that the earlier parents begin getting children to take an active role in the household, the easier it will be to get them involved as teens. The study did show that that those who did not begin participating in household tasks until they were 15 or 16 did not have the same "success" rate as the younger children did.
Doering cautions, remember to keep the age of the child and their ability level in mind when making the decision as to what the household tasks should be and how many. This provides another great opportunity for parents and children to work together.
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