Chores and kids are a good mix!

Chores and Kids are a Good Mix!

Supporting a child’s independence in occupations they need or want to do is at the core of the Occupational Therapist role. Completing household chores, such as food preparation, cleaning and gardening, supports independence with living skills. However, did you know that evidence suggests completing household chores can also improve a child’s executive functioning? We bet that caught your attention! Perhaps having your child help with chores around the house can be a win-win after all.

Research indicates that participating in chores can support a child develop executive functioning skills, such as attention, regulation and planning. For example, completing self-care chores, such as making a meal, significantly predicted working memory.

So, what does this mean for your home? Try to incorporate age-appropriate chores into your child’s routine to support the development of their independence and executive functioning skills. See the below examples.

Age 2-3

• Pick up toys
• Put away books
• Stir ingredients in a bowl
• Put rubbish in the bin

Age 4-5

• Make their bed
• Tidy their bedroom
• Set the table
• Pour a bowl of cereal

Age 6-7

• Water plants
• Sort laundry
• Help pack their lunch

Age 8-11

• Load the dishwasher
• Help with meal preparation
• Vacuum
• Wash the car

Age 12-13

• Change bed sheets
• Do the dishes
• Prepare a meal

Age 14-15

• Do homework without prompting
• Wash windows
• Do yard work

Reference:

Tepper, D. L., Howell, T. J., & Bennett, P. C. (2022). Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children’s cognition? Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 1–14. https://doi. org/10.1111/1440-1630.12822 

Focus on the Family Australia. (2022). Age Appropriate Chores. https://www.families.org.au/article/age-appropriate-chores

Georgia Dilley- Occupational Therapist  

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