Chores Teach about Teamwork

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Chores can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in your child. It should be understood by all family members they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently. They can help create a sense of unity and family and is a great place for your child to learn about teamwork. Parents should take special care to handle the delegation of chores to children so they don't become a source of frustration or create arguments.

Allow your child to have an active say in the delegation of chores. Give them choices. We all have household chores that we don't like to do, but if it's a chore the child enjoys doing then there's less likelihood it will create a battle in the end. The child will most likely appreciate having the chance to be heard and having a choice.

It's imperative that you set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore. They may not perform up to snuff when they first start performing the chore, but show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort. Also make sure the child understands there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort. Ensure the child understands the need for the chore's effective and efficient completion. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team. Make sure they see that if they don't perform their chores, it affects the other members of the team. Spouses must work together and be a strong example for their children by completing their own chores each day. And don't allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore. Stand your ground and don't give in, and emphasize the consequence and negative effect an uncompleted chore has on the family.

And keep an open mind when a child wants to discuss their thoughts or express their opinions about chores. Make sure the conversation stays positive and on target.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good points! We started with responsibilities around our house very early on. Grace started out by putting towels in the laundry or cups in the sink when she was about 2 years old, and we've gradually added to it. Now she puts things in the laundry, trash, sink, helps walk the dog, cleans her room, helps pack her lunch, etc. She even notices things that need to be done and does them without me asking her to do them.

If you start off early with household responsibilities, and make it fun, it's much smoother than if you wait until they're older to give them tasks.

Even when she does a task that I've asked her to do, I thank her for doing it and let her know that she's a fantastic helper. A lot of times, kids will do that you ask them to do with a good attitude if they're praised for it. It makes them feel good and important.