With the summer season on the horizon and more time being spent at home, family coach Lori Sugarman-Li highlights the significance of addressing household responsibilities with children. Sugarman-Li emphasizes that this transitional period, marked by the end of the school year, offers an opportune moment for parents to engage their kids in discussions about the essential tasks that maintain a smoothly running household.
“Being around them more frequently provides us with the chance to shed light on the breadth of these responsibilities,” Sugarman-Li stated.
Contrary to viewing chores as burdensome or negative, Sugarman-Li encourages parents to elucidate the rationale behind each task, such as the importance of changing sheets or maintaining a clean car. According to Sugarman-Li, instilling an understanding of gratitude is integral, framing chores as actions of appreciation for what the family possesses.
“At its core, the efforts we invest in our homes and in caring for our loved ones represent expressions of gratitude for all that we are fortunate to have,” she remarked.
Drawing from her experience as both a family coach and author of the children’s book “Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family,” Sugarman-Li advises parents to tailor chore assignments to align with their children’s interests and personalities.
“If a child excels in organization, involving them in tasks like grocery unloading and pantry organization can be rewarding,” she suggested. “Likewise, for music enthusiasts, offering chores where they can enjoy their music with headphones can be motivating. Additionally, for children who thrive in collaborative settings, activities like laundry or yard work present valuable opportunities for partnership.”
While acknowledging the short-term benefits of incentivizing chores with monetary rewards for teaching financial literacy, Sugarman-Li emphasizes the long-term importance of cultivating positive attitudes towards chores.
“In the grand scheme, when children transition to independence and, hopefully, become supportive partners in the future, it’s crucial to recognize that these contributions are not compensated,” she explained.
Highlighting the early age at which children can begin participating in household tasks, Sugarman-Li suggests parents opt for safe and age-appropriate activities, starting as young as three years old.
“For younger children, assisting in sorting laundry can be a suitable introduction,” Sugarman-Li recommended. “Older children can contribute in the kitchen by unloading dishes or aiding in meal preparation alongside a parent.”
Ultimately, Sugarman-Li stresses the importance of understanding each child’s individual preferences and comfort levels when assigning chores.
“It’s about recognizing how your child thrives, assessing your own comfort levels, and experimenting with different approaches to gauge their enjoyment,” she concluded. “And if one task doesn’t resonate with them, exploring alternative options is always a worthwhile endeavor.”
