Did you know 82% of adults reported having chores growing up but only 28% require their own children to do them?
What changed? When did parents begin thinking chores weren’t important? And what do kids think about doing chores anyway?
Some suggest it was the breakdown of family life. With the feminist movement in the 1980s, more women began working out of the home and families were home together less than before.
Some think it’s all the activities: dance, gymnastics, soccer, football, horseback riding lessons, music lessons, drama performances and more! Between rushing children from one practice to another in between school hours, it leaves little time for family life.
Others think it’s electronics. Kids today spend a majority of their free time with a screen in front of their face–television, mobile devices, and time on social media sites. No time there for family discussion or interaction.
Regardless of the reasons, the infrastructure of family is deteriorating and with it….responsibility. Or chores.
What do kids think about chores anyway?
I conducted an informal survey on Facebook for parents to ask their kids this question: “Do you think kids should do chores? Why or why not?”
I expected negative answers, after all, I was asking kids! Their answers astounded me. The majority of them thought kids should indeed have chores and it’s their role as part of the family to pitch in and help out around the home.
What Kids Say About Chores
“Yes, ’cause we have to clean up stuff. I’m not actually a dirty person so I like things clean.” –Grayson, 7
“Yes, because everyone likes chores.” –Shiloh, 3
“Yes, because when it’s messy I can’t find my toys, and when someone helps me mess it up, they help me clean it up.” –Lily, 4
“Ummm….I kinda think so! If you didn’t, you’d have nothing. The house would be a wreck!” –Riley, 10
“Yes, because it’s the right thing to do.” –Clark, 5
“Yes, but I don’t know why.” –Blake, 6
“Yes, because it helps their mom out.” Kaylee, 8
“Yes, it develops skills so you know how to clean and stuff for yourself.” –unknown, 11
“Yes, because parents need help because they are lazy.” –Liam, 7
“Yes. NO! No do dat!” –Levy, 2
“Yes, because that’s what kids do!” –Noah, 4
“Yes, why wouldn’t they? Because if they don’t do chores you just end up with a messy discouraging house. And when your daddy gets home he feels discouraged and has to walk over a lot of mess to get to his wife. Plus it’s good practice for having your own home and being in charge of it one day.” –Penelope, 7
“Yes, to keep the earth and our house clean but they are very boring.” –Gavin, 5
“Yes, because I like to earn money!” –Eli, 4
“Yes….um, NO!” (And this one’s mom said he turned to his brother wondering if he should say no!)
–Lincoln, 6
“Yes, because their parents need help.” –Hayden, 10
“Yes. You don’t want to have a messy house. If you don’t have chores it’s like you are saying to your mama–you are my maid and servant. It’s a grace to have chores.” –Carrys, 4
And Some Kids Were Opposed
“No, because they’re tiny and it’s too hard.” –Isla, 6
“No, because they are boring.” –Anna, 7
“No, because it’s hard for them.” –Oliver, 8
“No, because they already did chores like 5 years ago!” –Adelyn, 5
It’s interesting to me that so many children think chores are expected and important. Peculiar how the media says parents don’t want their kids encumbered by work but the very children they’re trying to protect want chores! Kids want those boundaries and expectations. They need them in order to be successful in life.
Later this week, we will have suggestions for age appropriate chores for your family and give you an insider’s look at a true farming family and what chores their kids do. We will also have tips for making chores fun!
What do your kids think about chores?