Involving children in household chores from an early age is more than just a relief for parents. It’s a valuable lesson for life. By doing household chores, children learn to take responsibility, develop independence, and strengthen their self-esteem.
To ensure that chores do not become a daily struggle, clear structures and the right attitude are crucial. As with many other parenting issues, you as a mother or father need to think in advance about what your goal is and how dealing with regular chores fits into your family. You can then discuss with your children what tasks need to be done and who will take on what.
Not every household chore is a «task»
Household chores, such as clearing away your own plate after a meal, shouldn’t be linked to rewards such as pocket money or media time. These are part of everyday family life. Additional tasks, such as cleaning windows or bundling newspapers, can be rewarded.
Other possible tasks include setting the table, watering flowers, feeding pets, tidying rooms, replacing empty toilet rolls, emptying the dishwasher, etc.
A list of tasks makes everything clear
A task chart, which shows or lists what needs to be done, is particularly helpful for younger children. It provides clarity and a clear overview.
I must admit that I have only ever used a task chart in my work as a teacher. In the classroom, it was a matter of course. At home, it was only when writing this blog that I consciously considered the concept of a task chart. Perhaps this is because I only have one child, and I have always involved him in household chores in an age-appropriate way from the very beginning. For me, the focus was on working together and setting an example of tidiness. My son is now nine years old, and it is becoming more and more common for him to want to cook, clear the table, or tidy his room on his own initiative. We’ll see whether this continues or changes as he gets older…
But of course, I often have to remind him to do various tasks. I don’t know whether I’ll introduce a task chart in the future. At least I’ve already started to focus on a recurring task for a certain period of time, with the aim of making it a matter of course.
Our tip: Kids Banking app
In our Kids Banking app, parents can individually record paid tasks with their children and pay them their wages once the work is done.
This feature is a great way to show children how they can generate additional income on top of their pocket money. In the app, you can create tasks with your child and specify exactly how much they will receive from you for each one. At first, the money is paid out in cash, and later, when your child gets their own digital wallet (from around 7 years of age), it is automatically loaded onto it when the task is completed.
With this list of tasks, which you can also describe in detail – this is very important for some children – you have an agreement with your child that both parties should stick to. Since your child does not have access to the Clanq app, you can conveniently print out the list and hang it up. In a well-chosen place, it will remind you both of the agreed tasks.
Have fun completing the extra tasks that will make your child realise how much money is worth!
