Next time your child tries to fight you about doing his chores, tell him that doing chores could actually make him a more successful adult.
That’s what a 75-year-long study from Harvard found.
Chores can range from matching clean socks to mowing the lawn – and children of all ages can contribute to the function of their household. While it helps out now, the 2017 study shows it has bigger implications later in life.
Researchers looked at 268 Harvard graduates from the class of 1939 to 1944 and 465 men from inner city Boston. They examined the psychosocial variables and backgrounds of the participants and compared it to the participants’ well-being later in life.
Those with chores and part-time jobs were more successful as adults in the workplace, better at individual tasks and were adept at managing relationships.
Chores can be started as young as preschool, but if you’re not sure what your child can do at that age, or any other age, check out these examples of age-appropriate chores for children.
Ages 2-3
- Pick up toys
- Feed pets (with supervision)
- Match socks
- Help a parent clean up spills
Ages 4-5
- Set and clear the table
- Carry in groceries (light ones, of course)
- Sort laundry
- Put away laundry
- Fold towels
- Make their bed
- Wipe out bathroom sink
- Empty wastebaskets
- Water plants
- Pull weeds
Ages 6-7
- Sweep
- Fold and hang clothes
- Help with basic meal prep, such as washing vegetables
- Wash dishes
- Vacuum
- Make lunch
- Bring in mail
- Wipe down bathtubs and showers
- Put clothes in the washer and dryer
Ages 8-11
- Clean up after pets
- Make simple meals
- Take garbage and recycling out
- Clean toilets
- Mop
- Rake leaves
- Peel vegetables
- Change sheets
- Wash windows
- Empty dishwasher
Ages 12-13
- Assist with younger siblings
- Mow lawn
- Wash pots and pans
- Load the dishwasher
- Complete laundry
- Iron
- Wash the car
- Clean out refrigerator
- Walk pets
Ages 14-15
- Babysit siblings
- Clean out vehicles
- Clean the microwave
- Assist with meal planning and grocery shopping
- Shake out rugs
Ages 16-18
- Run errands
- Perform basic car maintenance (check tire air pressure, oil, etc.)
- Clean out and organize closets
- Assist with yard work
Tips for any age
WebMD offers several ways to successfully implement a chore routine.
- Don’t expect perfection. Kids are learning so show them how to do something and then let them learn.
- Start the children young. By beginning chores as a young age, parents lay a strong foundation for their children.
- Be sure to praise children for their accomplishments. If they know you are happy with their attempt to do the chores, as well as the outcome, it produces a more positive result.
- Parents should also follow through with required chores. If parents aren’t consistent when it comes to reinforcing chores, it can send a bad message to kids.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.
True! Children who are trained in doing household chores will become successful in their life. It teaches them to be responsible for everything. Young ones especially toddlers love to help their parents, for them, it looks likes they’re just playing. Let children do their chores according to their age and make it enjoyable to them.