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Having kids that help with chores is every parent’s dream. The most important thing to know is that responsibility should be a way of life. If children are raised to be thoughful in the little things then responsibility will kick in when it is time for chores. Kids are often sent the message that what they do is not important, they exist solely to be loved and taken care of. A child who has everything done for them and who is given everything they desire, without working for it, will never see the need to be responsible but there is a way to turn it around.
Believe that your child can
Give your child the benefit of the doubt and know that they are capable of being responsible. A two year old has functioning arms and can listen to instructions, so they are more than capable of putting toys in a toy box and your teenage son in spite of his short attention span is able to take out the garbage.
Let them help
Children from about one years of age want to be helpful but many times are sent the message that their help is not wanted.
Some teenagers don’t even wash dishes because mom or dad are fearful that they will break something. They might but no one learns without doing. If children are going to be capable at anything we must give them the opportunity. Refuse to jump in and rescue them from responsibility and children will gain confidence to be helpful in every area of life.
