Childhood Chores Teach Responsibility
by Rowland P. Barrett, PhD
Director, Developmental Disabilities Unit
Bradley Hospital
 How Children Benefit from Chores
The assignment of household chores serves several important
teaching functions regarding social responsibility. It allows
the child to experience both a sense of contribution to the
family and a sense of accomplishment-and, in turn, it allows a
sense of pride in that accomplishment. Pride is the key
ingredient in the development of self-respect, which is the
foundation for good mental health and happiness in life.
Moreover, the contributing to the family and feeling good about
doing so strengthens the child's connection to the family.
Teaching children to accept social responsibilities within
their family is the very best way of preparing them to accept
and satisfy the numerous social responsibilities they will
encounter outside the family as they grow older and progress
toward independence. When the child becomes a teenager or young
adult, successful negotiation of social responsibilities outside
the family is important for many reasons, including the
opportunity to re-experience a sense of contribution, pride,
self-respect and a strong, constructive connection to society.
"But My Friend Doesn't Have To."
Back
|
