In a well-functioning family, everyone should actively participate in shared tasks and responsibilities. This is especially true for children who have to help with housework and other family chores. But why is this so important?
Why is it important for children to do their part in family tasks?
Developing a sense of responsibility
- Example : If children regularly participate in housework, they learn that working together as a family and sharing responsibility is important.
- Tip : You can designate simple tasks, such as setting the table or packing away the toys. This helps the children to take responsibility and understand that they are also an important part of the family.
Increasing self-confidence
- Example : When children successfully complete a task, they can feel proud of themselves, which increases their self-confidence.
- Tip : Give positive feedback and praise when children help. For example, we say: “You did a great job helping me pack today! I am proud of you.”
Family time together
- Example : Doing tasks together gives family members the opportunity to spend time together, talk and work together.
- Advice : Organize joint family activities, such as gardening or cooking. These occasions are not only good for getting work done, but also for strengthening family ties.
Specific advice for involving children
Assignment of tasks by age group
- Example : A preschooler can help pack away toys, while a teenager can write a shopping list or help cook.
- Advice : Choose tasks that match the age and abilities of the children. In this way, we ensure that the children experience a sense of success and are happy to complete their tasks.
Regular, routine tasks
- Example : Doing the same task every morning, such as making bed, helps establish a regular routine.
- Advice : Plan a daily or weekly routine in which each child has their own task. This helps them get used to responsibility and regularity.
Positive reinforcement
- Example : "You did a great job helping with the dishes today! Thank you for your help.”
- Advice : Always give positive feedback and recognition to children when they help. This motivates them to continue participating in family tasks.
Teach the importance of tasks
- Example : Explain to the children why it is important to have a clean home or prepare dinner together.
- Tip : Talk to the children about why the different tasks are important. For example, you might say, "If we all help clean, we'll have more time to play and relax together."
The involvement of children in family tasks is of prime importance for well-functioning families. This not only develops a sense of responsibility and self-confidence, but also strengthens family ties. Choose tasks that match the children's age and abilities, and always give positive feedback. Talk to them about the importance of tasks and organize joint family activities. In this way, we can ensure that children are active and responsible members of the family.
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How do we talk about this with our children?
Toddlers (3-6 years)
A simple approach
- Example : “I would really like you to help me pack the toys. If we do it together, we'll be done quickly!"
- Advice : Use simple, short sentences with small children. Let's explain that with their help we will finish faster and have more time to play.
Playful learning
- Example : "Let's compete, who can pack faster! Who will be first?”
- Advice : Let's make the tasks playful, so that the children are more willing to participate in them.
Elementary school children (6-10 years)
Specific explanations
- Example : "If you help with the table setting, mother will have more time to read you a story."
- Advice : Explain how their help contributes to the functioning of the family. This helps them understand why these tasks are important.
Routine design
- Example : "Every night you help with the table setting. This will be your special task.”
- Advice : Create daily or weekly routines in which the children also actively participate. This helps them get used to taking responsibility.
Teenagers (10-18 years)
Responsible conversations
- Example : "It is very important that everyone does their part in the housework. Which task would you like to take on?"
- Advice : Encourage them to take responsibility and participate in decision-making. This helps them feel that their opinions and contributions matter.
Objectives and recognition
- Example : "If you manage to keep your room tidy for a week, we'll go to the cinema together."
- Advice : Set goals and recognize the results achieved. This motivates them to stick with their tasks.
Involving children in family tasks not only contributes to the functioning of the household, but also provides an important learning opportunity. It helps develop a sense of responsibility, increases self-confidence and strengthens family ties. Let's talk to them about the importance of the tasks in a way that is appropriate for their age group, and make the tasks more interesting and playful. This way we can ensure that our children are active and responsible members of the family.
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