Did you know that while chores help children to problem solve and build skills, studies have shown that those who partake in appropriate chores at home are more likely to exhibit higher self-esteem? But how can you get your kids to buy in to be mommy's little helpers and why do they need to? By Nabila Mayet-Cassim.
We all want our kids to help more around the house and participate in some family teamwork. But the question is how on earth to do it…if you’re wondering how to get your offspring to tackle chores around the house, then read on for some expert advice.
According to clinical psychologist, Christina Pereira, chores are more than just tidying up. They give your kids a sense of mastery, make them feel part of the family and set them up for independence in the future.
Get your kids involved in chores
Encouraging South African kids to participate in household chores, particularly when domestic helpers are present, requires a thoughtful approach. Try these tips:
- Give age-appropriate responsibilities: The trick is to make the chores age- friendly. Don’t toss the entire cleaning arsenal at them; break it down into bite-sized tasks. Assign tasks taking into account their capabilities and interests.
For example, ask your pet-loving 7-year-old to feed the dog its biscuits. Or instead of asking your 10-year-old to clean the whole house, ask them to just tidy their own room. Or ask them to stack their plates in the dishwasher after meals.
Read: 6 ways to get your child to do chores
- Incentivise and motivate! Create a chore star reward chart where earning a star is a step closer to that new toy or a great activity that they have been wanting to do for ages. Forget to clean up? Well, no star for you today,” Pereira says. Having this visual reminder can be very useful for them- be sure to put it in a place where they can easily see it, like up on the fridge.
- Make it fun– try and make it a game by setting a timer and seeing who can complete their chores the fastest or put on the family playlist and press play. Or: whomever does their chores most effectively gets to choose the family lunch.
- Lead by example: Demonstrate a hands-on approach to chores, illustrating that everyone contributes. Children are more likely to engage when they see adults actively participating.
- Establish clear expectations: Communicate openly about household expectations. Make it clear that everyone, regardless of the presence of domestic helpers, has a role in maintaining the home.
- Foster appreciation: Encourage children to appreciate the efforts of domestic helpers by acknowledging their hard work. This helps instil a sense of gratitude and respect.
- Family meetings: Conduct family meetings to discuss the importance of shared responsibilities. Allow children to express their thoughts and feelings about contributing to household tasks.
- Educate on life skills: Emphasise that chores are not just about daily maintenance but also about developing life skills that will serve children well in the future.
- Cultural sensitivity: Be culturally sensitive in approaching the topic. Acknowledge the cultural context and work collaboratively with domestic helpers to create a supportive environment.
- Variety of tasks: Provide a variety of chores to choose from, allowing children to engage in tasks they find interesting or enjoyable. This can make the experience more appealing.
- Promoting teamwork: Everyone in the household, including the domestic helpers, is part of a team working together for a tidy and harmonious home. Doing chores is simply part of being in a family.
Check out: rethink the way we divide household chores
Gaining life skills
Parenting expert Nikki Bush affirms, “I believe that chores provide the foundations of resourcefulness and independence in our children which lead to inherent confidence and an “I am, I can, I will” mindset. These are much-needed competencies in the 21st century. Doing chores is another way of future-proofing our children.”
So, getting your kids involved with chores is not just about raising helpful kids; it’s about honing life skills beyond the classroom like building bonds. In our hustle-and-bustle lives, chore time is an opportunity to connect, teach, and create warm family memories. It’s quality time in disguise.
Chores aren’t just about cleaning; they’re the hidden curriculum. Life skills 101, passed down from parents to kids. Be invitational, invite those kiddos to the chore party. They’ll become experts. Start young, let them mimic adults, and watch them blossom into responsible humans who can handle life’s messiness.
Whether it’s helping in the kitchen, bedroom or the garden, they’re mastering skills that include:
- Responsibility
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Appreciation
And many others…
Plus, chores aren’t gender-specific—we’ve moved on from that paradigm. Some dads rock it in the kitchen and moms can be great at DIY.! Flexibility is key, with parents tag-teaming in this juggling act.
For single-parent households or where dads are absent, it truly takes a village. Shout out to all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends stepping up to the plate – you’re the unsung heroes getting kids into the chore groove.
By navigating the cultural context and promoting a collaborative and respectful environment, South African families can encourage children to participate actively in chores, even with the presence of domestic helpers.
In the grand scheme of things, families that tackle chores together, stick together. Whatever family means to you, chores can be the magic glue that binds everyone. So, roll up your sleeves – It’s time to turn chores into cherished family moments.
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