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Chores . . . A Thing of the Past? Why They’re Still Important for Children Today
We live in a busy world. Parents are juggling work, errands, and responsibilities. Kids are running off to after-school soccer, dance practice, and playdates. And of course, we can’t forget the basics: cooking, cleaning, bedtime routines, and everything in between. With so much going on, it can feel like there’s simply not enough time. Understandably, many families hire extra help to manage it all. But even with support in place, it’s still important for children to do their part, even in their busy lives.
So why are chores still important? Wouldn’t it just be easier for someone else to make your child’s bed, clean her room, or set the table? Absolutely, it would be easier. But often, the easiest way isn’t the most beneficial for our children’s development.
Chores aren’t just about keeping the house tidy. They’re about raising capable, responsible, and resilient kids. Involving your child in age-appropriate household tasks matters more than you might think. Chores help teach children responsibility, contribute to building confidence and independence, foster work ethics and perseverance, not to mention leaning basic life skills that require time management and the importance of routines and healthy habits. This all translates to better organizational skills, self-control, and even improved academic performance.
“We’re Too Busy for Chores!”
You may be thinking, “My child barely has time to finish homework, eat dinner, and get to bed
on time . . . how can we possibly add chores to the list?” You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: chores don’t have to take up a lot of time, and even small, daily contributions can have a big impact. Don’t think of chores as one more thing to “add” to the day but as a way to weave small moments of responsibility and contribution into your child’s existing routines.
It’s About Quality, Not Quantity
You don’t need your child to do a long list of chores every day. In fact, one to two consistent, age-appropriate chores are enough to begin developing habits that your child needs for a successful life.
Chores by Age: What’s Appropriate and Achievable?
Every child is different, but most are more than capable of contributing meaningfully at home. The key is to match tasks to their developmental stage and give them clear instructions.
Ages 4–5: Children at this age love to feel “big” and helpful. Keep tasks simple and make them fun. Chore Ideas: putting toys away, matching socks, feeding pets (with supervision), wiping down low surfaces, watering plants, helping set the table. Tips: Use songs or timers to make it a game. Offer lots of praise. Encouragement goes a long way.
Ages 6–8: Kids in this age group can follow more complex instructions and take on more responsibility. Chore Ideas: making their bed, sweeping or using a small vacuum, putting laundry in drawers, emptying small trash cans, setting and clearing the table. Tips: Create a simple chore chart. Let them choose from a short list of tasks. It gives them a sense of ownership.
Ages 9–11: Older children are ready for more independence and can handle tasks with minimal supervision. Chore Ideas: folding and putting away laundry, taking out the trash, cleaning their room, loading/unloading the dishwasher, preparing simple snacks or meals, helping care for younger siblings. Tips: Offer small incentives (extra screen time, a later bedtime on weekends). Link chores to privileges, not punishments . . . this keeps motivation positive.
Even the most motivated children will have days when they resist. That’s normal! Here are a few ways to keep chore time positive and productive.
Be consistent: stick to a routine so chores become just a normal part of the day.
Use “when-then” language. For example, “When you’ve finished putting your toys away, then we can go to the park.”
Avoid redoing their work in front of them: this sends the message that their effort isn’t good enough. If corrections are needed, do it together as a learning moment. Celebrate effort, not perfection. Acknowledge their responsibility and contributions regularly.
We don’t give children chores because we need the help (though that’s a nice bonus). We give them chores because they need the growth. And you might be surprised how proud they become of “their job” and how much it benefits your whole family.
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.