The Importance of Giving Children Household Chores at Home

Those of you who follow my blog know that I am a strong advocate of kids doing their age-appropriate fair share of chores around the house. From my experiences as a Professional Organizer for busy families, I feel so strongly about this that I wrote a workbook on the topic and developed a home management system ~ Mom, Can I Help Around the House ~ that incorporates teaching the children to be active members of the family team.

Well, I just happened upon this fantastic video featuring Georgette Constantinou, PhD.  Administrative Director of Pediatric Psychiatry at Akron Children’s Hospital, titled, Household chores an important part of preparing children for life challenges. Dr. Constantinou discusses the importance of children learning and being accountable for household responsibilities. She explains that doing chores is an important step in preparing kids to meet life’s challenges, because it helps them understand there is no free ride.

According to Kris Jenkins, University of Missouri human development specialist, “Families that work together and share responsibilities raise children who understand the value of work.  Giving children jobs around the home helps parents and teaches children they are important cogs in the household wheel. Chores help children learn to take pride in their work and gain self-respect.”

Now that kids are out of school for the summer, this is the best time to corral those little minds and begin teaching them vital home management skills. Here’s why:

1. No distractions like homework and school activities.
2. Keep the kids occupied and contributing to something bigger than themselves, instead of staring at the computer or TV screen for the next 3 months?
3. Contrary to what it may seem, doing household chores together as a family creates bonding and family fun. My kids actually like it when we’re all doing chores together – it gives them a sense of purpose and pride, and family togetherness.

These are just a few reasons why the start of summer is a great time to begin teaching your children these skills and for you to get a home management system in place in your home. Just think, when school activities start again in the fall, you’ll feel so much more in control of your time and your home.

To help you get started, I’m offering a 10% DISCOUNT on Mom Can I Help Around the House workbook and chore binder through July 31, 2010. I’ve never offered a sale before, so take advantage of the savings NOW! (At checkout, enter coupon code “summer“.)

Go here to learn more KIDS AND CHORES and to get your discount.

Originally posted 2010-05-27 14:30:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Children, Household Chores and Entitlement
2. Children and Chores … Mom, Can I Help Around the House?
3. Children, Time and Chores
4. Children, Chores and Praise
5. Decrease Childhood Obesity With Household Chores