Bring Back Chores: Are Your Children Doing Enough Around The House?

There was a time when the contribution children brought to a family household was essential for that family's survival�when learning the skills it took to run a household was just as essential to the child's survival when they grew up and moved out on their own. Times have changed, and in many ways things are easier for modern man. But there are still many ways, even if our lives are easier, that a child's helping hand is crucial.

All cabinets are birch-faced plywood. Track lights keep the workroom bright.When she needs a big flat surface, she swings up a simple drop leaf from one side of a utility room cabinet. When the job is done, the leaf folds down out of the way, freeing space in the center of the room.Take a look at your own world to find ways to simplify even further�a focus on creating a Zen home environment can have a calm, liberating effect on all members of the family. Your children do not need a million toys lying around all over the place. They do not need their lives crammed with activity upon activity�like a constant goose chase after perfection. Identify the things that are most important and set a regular schedule that is not too much of a chore to keep, but allow them the freedom to breathe and move around that schedule a little. Plan time for creativity, free play, and relaxation. Growing up need not be regimented.Let your children have their Santa Clauses.Children derive a lot of positive benefits from helping out with chores besides just the practical knowledge. For one thing, it helps them to develop confidence, and it gives them a chance to work with other people, you, to accomplish something. They learn about respect for the wisdom of authority, the rewards of a positive review, and they develop the principles they need to be a hard worker later in life.

Children can put away their own clothes as you fold them up. They can mix a bowl of sauce while you are cooking dinner. They can set the dishes and silverware at the table. Simply pick up their toys and put them where they belong. When you start your children off young like this, you will be amazed at the thrill they get from being able to help with adult responsibilities, and it will be easier to get them doing more strenuous things as they get older, like mowing lawns or changing the oil in the car. It's not about slave-driving; it's about creating independence in a growing person.

Author: James Druman