Completing a chore list is a rite of passage for many children. Savvy parents understand the value of enforcing chore rules. Making your children do chores provides a host of benefits that will help them become responsible adults. Here are three primary things that kids can learn from performing chores at home.
How to Work Hard
Doing chores teaches a child how to work hard. The value gained by setting a goal and finishing the task provides the child with a variety of intrinsic benefits. By working hard, kids will learn how to be self-disciplined. This dedication to self-discipline will carry over to all facets of life. Chores also give kids a sense of ownership over their work domain. Lastly, learning how to work hard to complete a task will instill self-confidence in the child.
How to Be Organized
Having your children do chores can teach them different organizational skills that will help them throughout their lives. Included in this organizational skill set is the ability to manage time so that all tasks can be completed by a deadline. With a list of chores to complete each week, children need to organize their responsibilities. Kids are also more likely to keep their own personal area cleaner and neater if they are in charge of tidying it up themselves.
Effective Money Management
Rather than simply giving your kids an allowance, consider tying it to their share of the household responsibilities. Children who get paid to perform chores will also learn effective money management skills. It is more difficult to learn the value of a dollar if you are not working for it yourself. Once they have to earn their own money, children will usually think twice before spending it capriciously. If you are paying your children to do chores, you can encourage them to save their money for big-ticket items. The internal satisfaction that comes with earning their own money will pay off big dividends as they grow and enter the real world. It is important to teach kids the importance of delayed gratification. An allowance tied to chores is an ideal way to learn this skill.
Although children are known to be the experts when it comes to complaining about chores and procrastinating, it is important that parents continue to enforce the rules. The value gained by having chore responsibility will go a long way in teaching a child important life skills.