In this edition of Wednesday links, here are some links that offer tips on getting kids to do their chores and that explain why doing chores is very good for our kids.
MY TOP PICK: Here is a very clear 3-Part Series on chores from The Center for Parenting Education
- The Benefits of Chores Gives the child’s perspective of chores, the benefits of chores, and how to set the right tone regarding chores.
- Selecting Appropriate Chores for Your Children. Setting realistic expectations.
- Promoting Chores Responsibility. How to make your chores plan successful.
Kids Who Do Chores Flourish by Temma Ehrenfeld. “Studies indicate that kids who do chores also do better socially and in school through their teen years—and become happier adults.” Some interesting and important points & tips, including calling your child a helper rather than asking her to help.
How to Get Kids on Board with Chores from Parenting without Punishment. “Children who refuse to do their chores or who drag their feet or do their chores incompletely are sending us a message in the only way they know how. Our job as parents is to decipher that message and help our children feel empowered, encouraged and motivated to contribute to the care of the family and family home. There are a number of ways to change the way we elicit our children’s help around the house.”
Chores and Children: Getting Kids to Help with Housework by Eileen Kennedy-Moore. Clearly outlines how doing chores benefits our kids. Several good tips on getting kids to help with chores in a positive way. She makes the important point that scaring or threatening kids into helping is counter-productive: “It’s easy to slide into thinking that when our children don’t pick up, it means they don’t love us or they don’t respect us. We may feel angry, resentful, or dejected. We may wonder how we ended up in the role of household drudge to our royal children! . . . Harsh scolding from a frustrated parent certainly won’t get children to embrace their role as valuable contributors to a smoothly running household. No healthy child is going to accept the message, ‘I’m suffering, so you should, too!’ “