Responsibilities, Not Chores
Apr 11, 2023
What kind of feeling do you have about the word chore? For me, it’s a negative, sinking feeling. I consider a chore a task I don’t want to do but I’m somehow being forced to do it. Ugh! So why would we use this unpleasant word with our children?
When we use the word responsibilities, we offer the child an opportunity to gain confidence and independence. When it comes to household tasks, children who have responsibilities are contributing to the inner workings of the home. The family is like a team, and individuals are on a more even playing field. Rather than being forced to do chores, children may even show some intrinsic motivation to fulfill responsibilities.
To get you thinking:
- Post a chart with a few simple responsibilities that the child agrees to.
- Expect to be nearby or help the child when they are doing a new task (especially younger children)!
- Ask the child if they would like to help out with any household tasks. Make a list and let them choose some.
- Consider the timing of when the child will complete responsibilities – daily, weekly?
- For older children, if you choose to offer allowance, make it separate from their responsibilities.
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