Do your children do chores? Many people feel differently about having their children help around the house or having a set list of chores they are responsible for. Children learn life skills when given chores to do. They may not do them as well as you would, but with time they will get better and better. Giving children responsibility helps to keep them grounded, be less entitled. Children do not always love doing chores, but life isn’t all fun. This is a good thing to learn early on in life. God gives us things to do at times that are difficult, but the right thing to do. If we parents complete our chores around the house with a good and cheerful attitude, we are modeling what it looks like. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” There is nothing sadder than children moving out as young adults and not knowing how to clean a toilet, wash their clothes or cook a simple meal. Beginning in ninth grade, one night each week, I planned, prepared and served supper to a family of seven. This is how I learned to cook most things! My mother was right beside me, teaching me how.
You might create a chore chart to help keep everyone up to date with what has been done or not done. You may give allowance to each child at the end of the week when their chores are completed. This teaches them the reality that you don’t get paid for something you haven’t done. There might even be consequences for unfinished chores. Maybe no electronics or time with friends until responsibilities are completed.
We don’t need to scream, threaten or yell. Simply and firmly carrying through with the laid-out expectations and rewards teaches much. They might get mad or think things are unfair, but in real life, this is how things are. Children who receive allowances can learn how to manage money from an early age. They can learn to tithe some to the Lord, save some and spend some. There is much joy and a sense of accomplishment that comes when a child has earned and saved to purchase something they wanted.
Here are a few tips, if you are just getting started in this area with your children:
*Be sure all chores are age appropriate. Small daily chores are best.
*Praise your children when they accomplish their chores!
*Don’t follow behind your child and redo their work. This leads to a feeling of defeat and lack of value in their work.
*Be consistent. Keep the same standard of expectations for all children. You complete your chores, you get your reward. You don’t, here are the consequences. Don’t bargain with your children. You are the leader. Be kind, firm and consistent.
*Teach your children to do all things as unto the Lord. We do our best when it is for Jesus!
“In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Resources
In striving for a touch-free church experience, please plan to print these activities ahead of time, if you plan for your child to complete them during Sunday services. Remember pens and crayons too, please.
Follow this link for a complete step-by-step time of Bible study with your children:
Children’s Worship Song:
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