Have you ever felt guilty asking your child to take out the trash, fold laundry, or sweep the floors? Don't. Experts agree that involving children in household chores sets them up for greater success in adulthood.
Why? Because adults face these tasks daily—whether they enjoy them or not, they must get done.
Teaching children the value of chores like washing dishes early on helps them grasp adult responsibilities. Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult, shares in her TED Talk: "By having them do chores—taking out the trash, doing their own laundry—they realize you have to do your part to be part of society."
"If kids don't do the dishes, someone else does it for them. They're exempted not only from the work but from learning it must be done and that we all contribute for the greater good."
She adds that children who help at home grow into more effective employees. This isn't just her view—research supports it.
University of Minnesota psychologist Marty Rossmann analyzed 25 years of data, finding that children who did chores at ages 3-4 went on to achieve stronger careers and relationships in their 20s. Helping clean up spilled cereal or scrub pans builds empathy and responsibility.
Yet, only 28% of parents assign chores, per one study, often prioritizing school and activities. This overlooks long-term benefits.
Experts like Nicholas Long from Arkansas Children's Hospital emphasize: "The more prosperous our society, the less we ask of children." This leaves many college students unable to do basics like laundry, cooking, or changing a light bulb because parents overdo it for them.
Instead of guilt, feel confident: chores teach balance and self-reliance. For age-appropriate tasks, refer to standard chore charts by developmental stage.
