Did you know most parents discourage chores? Our society believes childhood should not be encumbered by work. Additionally, parents claim it’s just easier for them to do their children’s chores for them.

In a survey of 1,001 U.S. adults released in 2015 by Braun Research, 82% of parents reported having regular chores growing up. But only 28% said that they require their own children to do them.

Ironically, parents want their children spending time doing things that will bring them success. However, they’ve stopped doing the one thing that’s proven to actually predict their success–household chores!

Teaching kids responsibility actually takes a great effort and patience. Since parents have their hands full already, it’s less stressful to avoid those teachable moments. Let’s just clean up their mess while they run outside and play. The easiest road is the best road, right?

Of course not! The best road is often difficult and requires consistency, determination, perseverance and above all, love.

We never questioned the idea of chores for our children in our family. But I wanted to search God’s Word for my friends who wondered– Should my child have chores?

Turning to the Bible for answers

Anytime we question raising our children, my husband and I look to the Lord. We search the Scriptures to make sure we are raising our children how God intended. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  Because of this verse, we know what we find in the Bible will be exactly what we need to teach our children.

Part of growing up is taking responsibility for ourselves. From infancy, we completely depend on others but as we grow we become more responsible. We learn to feed ourselves, practice good hygiene, take care of our things. We learn to tie our shoes, show up on time and turn in our homework. We discover both responsibility and irresponsibility have consequences, some rewarding and some disciplining.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “When I became a man, I put away childish things.” The difference between a man and a child is the willingness to take responsibility.

It is absolutely crucial for us to teach our children responsibility. They need to learn it from a young age. A friend wondered how I began teaching them. I answered, “Before they eat breakfast, they must dress, make their bed and brush their teeth.” It seemed simple enough to me.

Then I came across this verse tonight:  “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat…”  (2 Thessalonians 3:10). See, I knew it was a good idea to make them do their chores before they eat!

5 Reasons Your Child Should Do Chores:

Children learn responsibility.

Learning to be responsible for things and taking credit when you succeed is a vital part of maturing. The other day, my son made brownies for dessert. He helped measure, stir, pour the batter in the pans and then wash dishes while we waited for the oven timer to ding. That evening, he walked around with his chest puffed out, “I made the brownies! Don’t they taste good? And I cleaned up when I was done!” It was a good thing for him to help out. Not only was it was fun, but he implemented math and science skills. He also learned how good it feels to be a part of a team, working together.

They develop a strong work ethic and take pride in a job well done.  

I remember when our firstborn was just a toddler. She spread her toys across her bedroom floor playing with them. At the end of the day, she carefully sorted them into the right organizing bins. When she finished putting the last toy in place, she spun around, clapped her hands and jumped into my arms. She was so proud of herself for cleaning up her mess and she was only one year old then! To this day, she still takes pride in her accomplishments and she is one of my biggest helpers at home.

It establishes a healthy dynamic in your family.

Assigning chores to each family member mimics a team or a body where all parts work toward a common goal. Remember the old adage, Many hands make light work? It’s true! When everyone contributes to the housework, the atmosphere changes. Suddenly mom doesn’t feel as overwhelmed trying to care for her entire family by herself! A household, in which each team player has specific assigned jobs, is like a well-oiled machine.

They will learn real-life skills that carry through their adult years.

It amazes me the parents who think their children wake up one day as responsible people. As if they automatically know how to wash a load of laundry or prepare a meal for themselves. It doesn’t happen that way. Kids learn what they are taught. If we teach them age-appropriate chores, we give them the opportunity to develop necessary life skills. That is what helps them succeed in life.

Chores teach children to be empathetic and responsive to others’ needs.

Something about chores encourages one to pay attention to details, to be noticers of life. When kids learn to be kind and helpful at home, they notice when others are hurting or are in need and they learn to be kind and helpful away from the home.

Isn’t that interesting? Sounds to me like chores are a good thing and build a foundation for growing and developing strong life skills. 

I wondered what your kids thought about chores so I polled Facebook. I can’t wait to give you the results of that and the hysterical comments from the kids! But until then, I’ll leave you with this–While our society may not place much emphasis on what the Bible says about personal responsibility, the majority of kids think chores are necessary for a happy, healthy, home of harmony. A home free of clutter and mess. A home they want to come home to!

Isn’t that interesting? What do you think about that?