As the digital age continues to evolve with more technology becoming readily available to people, it can prove to be both useful and also disadvantageous in the socialization of children.
In the digital age, children are spending more time on their gadgets surfing the web, playing video games and engaging on social networks.
With children spending more time engaging with technology, it can prove challenging for parents to get them involved in social activities or even participating in chores around the home.
Studies have shown that children who participate in chores around the home develop a sense of responsibility and who also carry those traits into adulthood.
Our Today has some helpful tips on child-appropriate chores that can assist in getting children engaged around the household.
Designate age appropriate chores
Children are usually experimental beings who are always eager to learn and try new things. It is important to start introducing children to simple chores during the early stage of their development.
While there may be a wide range of chores to be carried out around the home, not all chores are suitable for children. Therefore, it is important to designate chores based on a child’s age and ability.
Children between the age of 4 to 6 years old can be given light chores with the supervision of their parents. They can be tasked with simple chores such as assisting with the washing of dishes, making their bed with the supervision of their parents, folding washed clothes and dusting furniture.
While older children between 7 to 9 years old can be tasked with more hands-on chores such as sweeping the floor, assisting with meal preparation and taking out the garbage.
As the child gets older the chores can increase, however, it is important to note that the aim is not to overwork them but to get each child more involved in the household while boosting their self-esteem.
Assigning chores
It is not always easy for parents to assign chores to their children without them making a fuss about them being too tired or the chore being too complex for them to carry out.
Parents can develop a chore chart which designates a set of tasks for each child based on a scheduling system. The chore chart helps to create order while making everyone more organized with the tasks to be conducted in the household.
A chore chart can also have long-term benefits for children because it helps to develop a sense of responsibility and discipline which can prove useful during their adult years.
Develop a reward system
Another great way to encourage children to carry out chores within the household is through a reward system.
As the popular Jamaican saying goes “encouragement sweetens labour”, this can prove useful in the household as it relates to getting children involved in chores.
Parents can reward children for participating in chores through weekly allowance, encouraging words or providing them with their favourite treats.
Similarly, parents can implement a rule system where children who have not completed chores within the household are given less screen time on gadgets and watching the television, they are sent to bed earlier than usual and exempted from participating in their favourite activities.
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