Chores Can Help Teach Good Values

March 9, 2012

As children grow older, so should their responsibilities. If a child is physically capable to do so, passing on the responsibility of chores around the home is a good way to teach children a plethora of good values. To inspire children to do their best, parents can even incentivize the activity by promising a trinket or small amount of cash for the completion of the task. Following are a few chores ideas that not only teach values, but can help out Dad and Mom around the house too.

• Doing The Laundry: Washing clothes is something that parents may have to guide smaller children, but with instruction, older kids and teens should be able to follow along. Teach children about separating colors, after care of garments, how to operate the machine and always monitor children around cleaning agents. Having your children fold and put away their clothes also fosters a sense of independence as well.
  
  
• Kitchen Cleaning: This task should be reserved for pre-teens and teenagers who are familiar with the inner workings of a kitchen. Start kids off with clearing counter space, wiping down hard surfaces and arranging kitchen items. When they show comfort in those tasks, let them work on washing dishes or loading the dishwasher. Demonstrate for your children how you would like them to place objects in the dishwasher or sink and allow them to work on their own once trust is built.
  
  
• Keeping Common Areas Clean: Everyone should share in keeping areas such as living rooms, family rooms and dens clean and clutter free. Children should be tasked to hang up their coats, arrange magazines or books when needed, wipe down tables, fluff pillows, fold sheets and other necessary arrangements to make the common areas look their neatest.
  
  
• Keeping Bedrooms Clean: As with the common areas, children should keep their bedrooms clean by applying attention to their personal areas weekly. If your child doesn’t know how to make their bed, show them or assist them before allowing them to do so by themselves. If they have books or other items strewn about, make sure they place the items back into their proper places.

Chores can help children learn how to do things on their own once they go off on their own. It also becomes a big help as parents age to have the assistance of their son and daughter around the house. Chores don’t always have to be a big burden. The added benefit of teaching values and having a cleaner home environment is a win for everyone.

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