More Chores and Less Play: Teach Your Child The Art Of Self- Regulation

During the lunch break I was observing a few children of grade 6 at the canteen. Just five minutes before the bell could go off, one boy cautioned everyone to clear the table and go to class on time. Immediately the girls began clearing while the boys were lounging. I told the boys to help the girls. They looked bemused and then sheepishly, hesitantly helped out. They had never been given the chore at home.

As parents of this era we ought to make our sons and daughters do all tasks in equal measure. It is very important that boys are trained to make their own beds, set the table, clear the dishes, clean up their rooms and help in the kitchen. In most homes girls are automatically trained. In fact there are educated households who do not permit boys to enter the kitchen or pick up a broom.

Life’s learning and values are primarily learnt at home. By involving children in home chores you are:

1. Imparting the value of sharing work
2. Inculcating dignity of labour – when it comes to cleaning one’s own toilet or removing garbage
3. Instilling equality of gender. It is a deep learning.
4. Teaching children to be empathetic towards mothers, domestic help etc
5. Inculcating cleanliness and good manners
6. Making your children independent.
7. Increasing family bonding time by doing chores together
8. Setting a routine
9. Keeping children away from gadgets for a slightly longer time
10. Inculcating responsibility and accountability
11. Strengthens motor skills
12. Burns energy
13. Helps in focussing
14. Regulating emotions
15. Multi focussing can happen but multi-tasking cannot
16. Work is fun- try washing your vehicle together on a Sunday and you will realise how much fun it is.

Hence do not hesitate to involve your child in simple chores. Set a routine. Allow enough time for play- outdoor/indoor. Allocate time schedule for the day- for study, entertainment, bath etc.

Make dinner time a bonding time by sharing the chore of setting the table and clearing it. Chat and laugh together as you do. If small breakages or sills happen, ignore. Do not scream or nag. You will then be imparting important life lessons- that one can remain calm in a crisis, material things can be replaces and it is ok to make mistakes.

I recently saw a video which featured a US Colonel who spoke on the value of making one’s own bed. Nowadays most children leave home after school. This habit would help. It would also be helpful when one goes to stay in another’s house.

Helping around in the house is excellent for children who have a lot of energy to burn. So it is beneficial for children with hyperactivity, ADHD and autism. It also increases their focus.

It is very helpful for children to burn out their anger and to distract them from negative emotions.

Children who help out at home and do their own tasks grow up to be balanced individuals.