How Chores Teach Children Responsibility #ATimeToClean
Mama, whether you know it or not, chores are good for your kids! You don’t need to be doing everything around the house by yourself. Today I’m talking about how chores teach kids responsibility.
A Time to Clean: Day 27
It’s hard enough to keep a house clean when it’s just you making the mess. Add in a messy husband and a child or two… or five and it’s near impossible without some help!
More than that, chores are necessary part of life. None of us is exempt. Unless you are super wealthy and have had everything done for you, my guess is that you’ve had to learn to get stuff done even when you didn’t feel like it. It’s part of being an adult. And self discipline is so important. I know from experience that learning to be disciplined as an adult isn’t easy. You do your children a disservice when you do everything for them.
How Chores Teach Children Responsibility
Have you ever stopped to think that just maybe when you ask your children to do chores, you are teaching them something important? Sure, repeating yourself a hundred times is never fun.
Ensuring you follow through is never fun. However, at the end of the day, chores teach children responsibility.
Chores are a life skill
I personally know several moms out there that are hurting themselves by trying to do everything. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, it all adds up to be a lot for one person. One thing I have learned, as our kids get older, it’s okay to expect them to do chores. Keep in mind that chores teach responsibility and in return also teaches a vital life skill.
Your Kids are watching you
Maybe you half-heartedly ask your child to vacuum the living room after dinner. He just looks at you and then continues to play. You huff and puff, but it does nothing. Instead of getting mad and doing it yourself, follow through. Those kids are watching you and learning all about consistency. Chores are not only teaching your kids about responsibility, but about accountability. When asked to do something, they should do it.
Keep in mind that when God asks us to do something, even though we may not like it, but we know we need to do it. Responsibility is something children need to learn and chores can help them develop that skill. I also know when God asks me to do something and I don’t do it, there are consequences.
Have you ever seen an adult who has absolutely no responsibility? They don’t even know how to wash their own laundry. And unfortunately, more and more young adults are entering life not knowing basic life skills! Your kids need you to teach them these skills, so they grow up knowing what responsibility is and how to handle basic household chores.
Work on chores together
No one is asking you to sit back on the couch while your little people do everything. I know I feel guilty asking my children to work if I’m not working too. Teaching your kids about chores is a great way to spend time together. Instead of everyone going their own way after dinner, require everyone to help clean up. Your family is going to grow a lot by cleaning up together. Everyone is working and helping take responsibility for the mess that was made.
Here are some more ways chores teach kids responsibility.
- They realize everything won’t be handed to them.
- Children will see that hard work is a good thing.
- Children will see that it takes all hands-on deck to make a household run smoothly.
- Children start to understand and appreciate all their parents do for them.
- Chores start teaching responsibility at a young age and it keeps on developing as your children grow.
It’s okay to let go of the guilt and stop being afraid to instill this important task in your children. Your children need you to teach them about housework. They need you to get involved in teaching them about responsibility. When the chore is appropriate for the age level, you will see your kids are so capable of helping around the house. And what you end up seeing is a child who is learning responsibility. It’s quite amazing actually!
Today’s Goal
- Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
- Choose an area in your home you want to tackle.
- Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away.
- Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Facebook, or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean2017 {optional}
- Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of and anything else God has laid on your heart.
- Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal. I’ll be waking up around 6:00 am.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BEDROOM CHECKLIST
Download this free printable checklist for kids teaches your child how to clean their bedroom in four easy steps when you subscribe!
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