As a pediatrician, I often remind parents that a child's holistic development is much more than academic performance and physical health. Simple household chores in daily life are also an important part of a child's development, not only teaching children basic life skills, but also developing their sense of responsibility and self-reliance. However, many parents choose not to involve their children in housework because they are worried that their children will not do well or are afraid of trouble, which is actually a misunderstanding. I remember one outpatient clinic where an anxious mother came to see me with her 5-year-old son. Her concern is not about her child's physical problems, but about his dependency. Because the child has hardly participated in any housework since he was a child, he does not know how to organize his clothes, and he has never washed the dishes after the meal. This is obviously a big problem when he is about to enter the school stage. After an in-depth conversation with my mother, we worked together to develop an age-appropriate household plan and teach her some guiding skills. A few months later, the mother came to my office again with a smile on her face and told me that her child had started to take the initiative to do chores, not only learned to organize his belongings, but also showed better self-care skills at school.
Age guide for housework tasks
2 to 3 years old: Beginner task to pick up toys and books: Teaching children to put toys back in place after play will not only develop their tidying skills but also strengthen their memory and cognitive development. Drop off laundry in the laundry basket: Children can learn to put dirty laundry in the laundry basket, and simple sorting can also be introduced, such as separating dark-colored clothes from light-colored clothes. Ages 4 to 5: Basic tasks to help set the dishes: Children can begin to learn how to set the dishes correctly, including placing dishes, cutlery, and cups. Help prepare simple foods: Under adult supervision, children can help wash fruit or stir ingredients, activities that improve their hand-eye coordination.
6 to 7 years old: Intermediate tasks
Sweeping: Children can start sweeping with a broom, which can strengthen their body coordination and sense of responsibility. Wipe the table: Teach your child how to properly use a rag to wipe down the tabletop so they understand the importance of keeping it clean. Help with simple meals: Children can do simple cooking, such as tossing salads or making sandwiches, under the guidance of an adult. From 8 years old: Advanced task dishwashing: Children can learn how to wash dishes, which includes washing with dish soap and hot water, as well as tidying up. Make your own room: Children at this age are able to make their beds, desks and wardrobes independently. Participate in the process of doing laundry: Teach your child how to use the washing machine, including choosing the right washing program and detergent.
How to guide and motivate children to do chores
Set clear tasks and expectationsClear and simple instructions are easiest for children to follow. For example, tell a 2-year-old to "please put the toys back in the box" instead of simply saying "put the toys away." Children of every age should have tasks that are appropriate for their developmental level. Using a reward system, a reward system can greatly increase a child's motivation to complete household chores. For example, you can use sticker charts to put a sticker on each task you complete. After collecting a certain number of stickers, your child can get a small reward, such as more playtime or the opportunity to choose a weekend activity. Making chores fun Gamifying chores activities is a great way to spark your child's interest. For example, you can set a timer to see if your child can complete a task before the music stops, or set a chore task as a scavenger hunt where each task unlocks the next clue.
Get involved
When children see that their parents are also doing chores, they are more likely to imitate this behavior. Choose simple tasks such as tidying up the table or folding clothes that parents and children can do together. This not only increases the child's sense of involvement, but also increases the amount of time spent interacting with the parents. Set examples and explain the meaning of chores to explain to children why they need to do chores, such as "Help everyone in the house to make our home more comfortable and tidy." "Let them understand that they are an integral part of the family through their own efforts.
Proper supervision and encouragement
Give your child proper supervision and guidance while they are doing chores to ensure that they complete the tasks correctly and safely. When you're done, don't forget to give your child affirmation and praise, even if the result isn't perfect, it's important that they try and try. Through these strategies, parents can not only help their children learn and grow, but also develop their self-management skills and self-confidence in their daily lives. The role of the parent is crucial in the process of the child's involvement in household chores. First and foremost, parents need to be role models by example. Children imitate the behaviour of adults from an early age, so when they see their parents actively participating in household activities, they are more likely to identify with the value of these activities and be willing to participate. For example, tidying up the dining table and making the bed together are all good activities to do together.
Secondly, parents should educate their children to understand the meaning of doing housework, such as cultivating children's independence and sense of responsibility. This can be achieved through simple conversations, such as explaining why everyone needs to contribute to the home and what benefits doing so will be for the individual and the family. For example, children can be told that by organizing their toys themselves, they can find what they want to play with more quickly, while also helping families stay tidy and organized. Parents also need to avoid overprotective children. It is normal for children to make mistakes in the process of doing chores, it is part of learning and growth. Parents should provide appropriate guidance rather than immediately intervening to resolve the issue. For example, if your child doesn't put the dishes neatly when arranging them, you can guide your child on how to adjust them instead of simply rearranging them for them. In addition, parents can create a supportive and encouraging environment to enhance their child's motivation to complete chores. This may include setting up a reward system, such as getting extra playtime for completing certain tasks or choosing a weekend for family activities. At the same time, children should be clearly praised for their efforts and achievements, so that they feel that their contributions are recognized and appreciated by the family. Through these methods, parents not only help their children learn to do household chores, but more importantly, teach them to take responsibility for their common family life, thus nurturing them to become more independent and responsible people.