Children and Chores

This is a cute article I downloaded. There is no author to credit...it was on a free article site. I've had different philosophies on chores throughout the years. I'm not sure I ever looked at "learning about teamwork" as a benefit of assigning chores.

Chores Can Help your Child Learn about Teamwork and a Strong Work Ethic

Chores can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in your child. It should be understood by all family members that chores are expected and necessary for a household to run successfully and efficiently. Chores can help create a sense of unity and family and are a great way for your child to learn about teamwork.

It's imperative that you set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore. Children may not perform up to snuff when they first start performing a chore, but if you show them where improvement is needed and praise them for a strong effort, the completion of chores usually becomes smoother.

Ensure the child understands the need for the chore's effective and efficient completion. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team. Make sure they see that if they don't perform their chores, it affects the other members of the team. Spouses must work together and be a strong example for their children by completing their own chores each day. And don't allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore. Stand your ground and don't give in, and emphasize the consequence and negative effect an uncompleted chore has on the family.

And keep an open mind when a child wants to discuss their thoughts or express their opinions about chores. Make sure the conversation stays positive and on target.

Audrey :)