Maintaining a house with children requires that work be done on a daily basis. The debate continues as to whether our children should be doing household chores and if they do, should they be paid. I’m a firm believer in children contributing to the household by helping with chores as well as giving them an allowance as some sort of compensation for doing those chores. What I would like to do in this blog is discuss both sides of the debate and let you come up with your own conclusions – of course, with some bias on my part.
People who take the position that children should not be required to do chores focus their arguments on two main points. First, they argue that children should enjoy their time during their tender years and be free to play and grow up without a lot of demands being made on them. Second, they assert that children have homework and other everyday demands on their lives and adding chores on top of their already filled schedules would be too overbearing for them.
On the other hand, people who favor having children do chores argue that chores teach children to be responsible and disciplined, as well as to develop important life skills. Also, it is argued that children who do chores actively contribute to the household rather than expecting someone else to do things for them.
As I mentioned, I am a proponent of having children do household chores. They are part of the family unit and as such, benefit from all the fun and good times we have and should also participate in the tasks that need to be done to keep a household functioning well. Of course, the chores should be age appropriate and parents should encourage children to do them rather than complain and criticize them. I know that many times that it can be difficult for parents not to nag, especially if you have a recalcitrant or procrastinating child, but there are many helpful articles online that can assist parents in finding solutions to these issues.
If you decide to have your children do chores, should you give your children allowances or otherwise pay them for doing chores? Many experts do not believe that young children should be paid because they are not motivated by money. However, older children are indeed motivated to earn spending money. Payment for chores is likely to ensure that the chores get done.
Here are some helpful online articles: