Children completing chores and helping with duties around the household is a topic of great controversy among parents and experts. 

Why doesn’t it seem like a good idea?

Demanding chores be done can feel like a parent is constantly reminding, nagging, or imposing consequences. It may feel like a never-ending battle. It becomes easier for a parent to do the job themselves. Parents who avoid giving their children chores usually:

• Fear that chores may harm the relationship with their children.
• Feel guilty when asking their children to help; after all, children are so busy with other demands from school, peers, and extra-curricular activities that parents might feel like they are adding pressure.
• Think that children are too young to take on responsibilities.
• Believe children shouldn’t complete chores, but instead, they should live their childhood. 

What are the benefits?

Despite those concerns, giving a  child chores may be one of the most important things a parent can do.

Studies show that children who complete chores grow into happier, healthier,  and successful adults. These studies conclude that the sooner parents introduce their children to tasks and chores, the better. But why?

Children who do chores may show higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and better deal with stress, frustration, and delayed gratification. These skills can increase their success in school, work, and relationships.

Attitude towards chores varies significantly. Some children love to help, while others don’t. However, there are lots of benefits when involving a child in age-appropriate chores, including:

• Developing time management skills.
• Learning organizational skills.
• Teaching the importance of finishing an assigned job.
• Accepting more responsibility.
• Providing an opportunity for success.
• Learning to balance work and free time from a young age.
• Setting a good base for functioning independently.
• Giving children chores can provide them with a sense of being part of a team.

When should a  child be introduced to house chores?

Studies suggest there are benefits to including chores in a child's routine as early as age 3. Whether you decide to start at an older age, at 3 years, or even younger, remember that the chores you choose your children to do must be appropriate for their age. You can’t ask a 4-year-old to make hot tea on their own; it may be not only not adequate for their age, but even dangerous! So before adding to your children’s routine any new task, it may be a good idea to research their skills, milestones, and capabilities first; to better understand what they can do and what they cannot! There is plenty of helpful information and checklists that you can find online; make sure that you’re getting it from a reliable resource.

How to include a child in house chores?

Below are some tips that can help introduce chores to your children:

• Set clear and reasonable expectations. Explain to your child what exactly needs to be done.
• Establish regular routines.
• Be consistent. Changing rules and expectations will create confusion and frustration.
• Make longer jobs fun and cooperative. Use songs or games if you can.
• Be a role model. Children will learn to pick things up and keep their rooms neat if they see their parents doing the same.
• Give positive feedback and join in a child's pride when a chore is done. For example, "Great job on the toys!"
• Pick your battles. A messy room is for sure not the end of the world.

As parents, you know what is best for your children and family. Remember that there’s no single recipe that works for everyone; just do what is best for you and your family! So, in the end, it’s up to you to decide whether including chores in a  child’s routine will be beneficial for you and your child or not.