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What do children learn by doing chores? Setting up a schedule of chores for each child in your house to participate in can be a very beneficial learning tool. I feel that it teaches them the following and much more.

1. Appreciation - As a stay-at-home mom I, of course, get to perform all the boring tedious tasks that must be accomplished at home everyday to keep it clean and running smoothly. Now that my children are also assigned some of these task, they realize that it is a lot of work and not always much fun but that it is necessary. They actually thank me and appreciate what I do and not just take my efforts for granted.

2. A job well done - I feel strongly that if you are going to put energy into doing something you might as well put all of your energy into it and do it well. It might not always get done correctly the first time but at least try your best. For example, my teenage son was mowing the front lawn. When he was done, he asked me to come out and see how it looked. He was in a rush because he wanted to go with some friends. There were unmowed patches everywhere. One look at the expression on my face and he knew he was going to have to do it over again. When it was done the second time, it looked great and I told him so. He actually said that he should have done it right the first time because it took him twice as long to get it done. I was so happy. He finally understood.

3. A good work ethic - The first place most children learn about a work ethic is at home. By giving chores, making sure they are done correctly and on time, a parent can teach their child to acquire a good work ethic. This will of course carry on throughout their professional life hopefully.

4. Procrastination is not a good thing - My children, as they are get older, are given some leeway in terms of when they can perform the chores that need to be done. My daughter is definitely a procrastinator. But she is learning that it is far better to get her tasks done and not to procrastinate because she then misses out on what she really wants to do.

5. Teamwork - I have four boys and one girl. There is a lot of bickering and fighting going on in this house. I love to see them though when they all pitch in together to get something done such as yard work. They are realizing that if you work together, a task can be done quicker and better than if you do it by yourself.

6. Responsibility of money - Paying your children to do certain chores can also be an opportunity to teach your children about money. I do not pay my children for every chore. I feel that they need to know that this is their house and they are responsible for it also. Every once in a while I will select an "extra" chore like cleaning the garage. My two youngest sons are five and eight. The last time we cleaned the garage, I told them that they would each receive $1.00 if they did a good job. My eight year old worked diligently and without a complaint. The five year old stopped after about ten minutes and started playing with his gameboy. When we were finished, I gave my eight year old $1.00 and my five year old $.25. He was not happy but he did learn an important lesson.

Chores really are a great learning tool. Also, it can be an opportunity to share some time with your child. Have fun and make the best of it.

Learn more about this author, Amy Denney.
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