As far back into my childhood as I can remember, I always had a chore to complete in the home. Whether it was dusting, cleaning the lint trap in the dryer or washing dishes- no job was too small or of less importance than another.
Today, I see many children driven to sporting activities, play dates and enrichment classes. When children aren't participating in these scheduled events, they are watching television, playing video games or on social media. Although I agree these activities have a place of value, should it be given the most value?
Has the family connection lost its importance and value? How do we connect as a family? I believe the answer is through chores. When children are given a task to complete, it provides them with a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth. When this task involves helping in the home, it brings the family together as a unit. The chores assigned help educate children about the value of hard work, accepting responsibility & understanding that life isn't always easy.
Do you think chores are important for children to have? What chores did you have as a child?
I believe the "ownership" of chores is key to knitting families together. So many people of all ages today go their own way. Contributing to the everyday routine can give a sense of value to little ones and is a great way for parents to model proper behavior and attitudes. Raised as an only child, I helped with all the chores. But the one I should have focused on a bit more was cooking!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Davalyn. I like how you included parents, and how they model proper behavior & attitudes. Too often, we think little ones don't see or hear everything us 'big people' are doing.
DeleteDoing chores is essential for kids. I did dishes, set the table, did laundry, vacuumed, etc., as a child, and my kids do in our home as well. For our four kids (besides caring for their rooms and laundry and house-cleaning tasks as assigned), we have a rotating chore chart on our refrigerator that lists which chore is each child's responsibility for that week--dog care, dishes, table, or floor. If the table is sticky or the dog needs water, everyone knows who's responsible. I don't have to sort out who did dishes last time or who swept the floor yesterday. Everyone already knows. And as a home school family, we'd never get everything done without cooperating on the chores.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Amy. It's encouraging to hear about families who work & play together. It sounds like your children are being instilled with valuable lessons & a great work ethic.
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