The everyday tasks that make responsible and caring kids

Planning some spring cleaning? Include your kids! Chores can be about much more than just keeping a tidy house (although a clean space doesn’t hurt). When your kids pitch in, it can help them develop empathy, responsibility, self-efficacy, and confidence. Plus, it can strengthen your connection as a family.

How, exactly? Read more below.

Empathy: Chores offer a window into the unseen work that keeps a household running. As kids help with tasks like setting the table or unloading the dishwasher, they begin to understand the work that goes into managing a household. This helps with perspective-taking—moving beyond our own experiences and emotions to see the world as someone else sees it.

Responsibility: Folding laundry and taking out the trash may seem like small tasks, but they instill a sense of ownership. Kids learn that they have a role to play both in maintaining their environment and in contributing to the family. They understand that their actions have consequences, and caring for their surroundings extends to caring for people around them.

Self-efficacy: Mastering a chore, from making their bed to raking leaves, gives kids a sense of accomplishment. They see the tangible results of their effort, boosting their self-efficacy – the belief in their ability to succeed at something. This belief spills over into other areas of their lives, encouraging them to take on challenges at school and with friends, knowing they have the power to achieve their goals.

“Chores offer a window into the unseen work that keeps a household running. As kids help with tasks like setting the table or unloading the dishwasher, they begin to understand the work that goes into managing a household. ”

Confidence: When kids complete chores consistently and with effort, acknowledge their contributions! Positive reinforcement builds confidence. "Wow, look at that clean room! You must feel great knowing you accomplished that!" These simple phrases let kids know their hard work is valued, further fueling their self-assurance.

Family connection: Chores are a fantastic opportunity to practice teamwork and cooperation. Working together as a family towards a common goal strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of shared purpose. This teamwork translates into stronger communication skills, empathy for others' needs, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively—all essential for building healthy family relationships.

Pro tips:

Start young: Even toddlers can help with simple tasks like putting away toys or sorting laundry (Bonus: This can help with color recognition and counting!)
Focus on contribution: Frame chores as a way to contribute to the family, rather than just a list of to-dos.
Family teamwork: Everyone participates! Create a chore chart that rotates tasks and ensures fairness.
Positive reinforcement: Compliment your kids for being helpful even when they’re not doing chores! Praise their effort and celebrate their accomplishments.
Keep it fun: Put on some music or make a game of it. We like finding family dance party playlists to motivate us through chore time!