Tidying your room, washing dishes, and mowing the lawn might not have been your favourite pastime as a kid, but those chores could have actually shaped you into the adult you are today.
It turns out that having to do chores as a kid isn’t just about keeping things tidy, it’s like a secret training ground for developing some seriously valuable life skills. A study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics found that kids who start doing chores around the age of four or five are more confident and more self-sufficient — and that’s not all! So, if you spent your childhood begrudgingly scrubbing toilets, don’t worry – it wasn’t all for nothing!
1. They have a strong work ethic.
Growing up with chores instilled a sense of responsibility and discipline. Doing things like washing dishes or mowing the lawn taught them the value of hard work and perseverance. This work ethic often translates into their adult lives, making them dedicated employees, reliable partners, and successful entrepreneurs.
2. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.
Doing chores from a young age normalises the idea that work needs to be done, even if it’s not glamorous. This means they’re less likely to shy away from challenges or avoid tasks they find unpleasant. They understand that sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to achieve your goals.
3. They’re resourceful and know how to solve problems.
Chores often involve unexpected challenges, like a clogged drain or a broken appliance. Children who had to tackle these problems learned to think on their feet, improvise solutions, and figure things out on their own. This resourcefulness can be a valuable asset in both their personal and professional lives.
4. They understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
In many households, chores are a shared responsibility. Children who grew up doing chores alongside their siblings or parents learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and compromise. These skills are essential for building strong relationships and working effectively in group settings.
5. They appreciate the value of a job well done.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from completing a chore, whether it’s a perfectly made bed or a sparkling clean kitchen. Children who did chores learned to take pride in their work and appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. This appreciation for quality can translate into their professional lives, where they strive for excellence in everything they do.
6. They’re organised and know how to manage their time effectively.
Juggling chores alongside schoolwork and extracurricular activities requires good time management skills. Children who had to fit chores into their busy schedules learned to prioritise tasks, create routines, and stick to deadlines. These skills are invaluable for staying organised and productive in their adult lives.
7. They have a sense of empathy and consideration for other people.
Doing chores for the benefit of the entire family teaches children to consider other people’s needs. They learn that their actions can have a positive impact on those around them. This empathy and consideration for people often translates into their adult relationships, making them more understanding, supportive, and compassionate partners, friends, and colleagues.
8. They’re not afraid of hard work or challenges.
Growing up with chores teaches children that life isn’t always easy. They learn that sometimes you have to put in effort and overcome obstacles to achieve your goals. This resilience can be a major asset in their adult lives, helping them navigate setbacks, persevere through difficult times, and ultimately achieve success.
9. They’re self-sufficient and independent.
Completing chores teaches children valuable life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and basic home maintenance. These skills empower them to take care of themselves and their living spaces as adults. They’re less likely to rely on other people for basic tasks and are more confident in their ability to manage their own lives.
10. They’re able to delay gratification and focus on long-term goals.
Chores often involve sacrificing immediate pleasure for a future reward, such as a clean house or a delicious meal. Children who did chores learned to delay gratification and focus on the bigger picture. This ability to prioritise long-term goals over short-term desires can be a key factor in their success as adults.
11. They’re not afraid to take initiative.
Source: Unsplash When chores need to be done, someone has to step up and take the lead. Children who grew up doing chores learned to take initiative and be proactive. They’re not afraid to identify problems and take action to solve them, which can make them valuable assets in both their personal and professional lives.
12. They have a strong sense of responsibility.
Source: Unsplash Completing chores teaches children that they have a role to play in the family or community. They learn to take ownership of their responsibilities and understand the consequences of their actions (or inaction). This sense of responsibility often carries over into their adult lives, making them dependable and reliable individuals.
13. They’re adaptable and flexible.
Source: Unsplash Chores can be unpredictable, and children who grew up doing them learned to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. They’re able to think on their feet, adjust their plans, and find solutions to problems as they arise. This flexibility is a valuable asset in a world that’s constantly changing.
14. They’re good at managing resources.
Source: Unsplash Many chores involve managing resources, such as food, water, or cleaning supplies. Children who had to budget these resources learned to be mindful of their consumption and avoid wastefulness. This ability to manage resources efficiently can be beneficial in their personal finances and in their careers.
15. They have a greater appreciation for other people’s hard work.
Source: Unsplash Having to do chores themselves gives children a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work that other people do to keep their homes and communities running smoothly. They’re more likely to be respectful of the efforts of cleaners, maintenance workers, and people who work in service jobs.
16. They’re more likely to be helpful and generous.
Source: Unsplash Doing chores for other people’s benefits instils a sense of generosity and a willingness to help. Adults who grew up doing chores are more likely to lend a hand to friends, family, and neighbours. They understand the value of community and are willing to contribute to the well-being of those around them.
