Features
Managing a home when everyone works
Jinny Hopp, Human Development Specialist, Jasper County, University of Missouri Extension
We all work hard today! With commuting and demands of the job nobody has time or energy for housework. Many couples who share a home have a hard time sharing the tasks required to keep a home running smoothly. Many parents aren’t sure what chores are appropriate for children or how to get children to help out around the house.
Children benefit from helping with household chores.
They learn responsibility and work habits. However, it
is also important for kids to have plenty of time to be
kids. If children have excessive household
responsibilities, they don’t have time to play and spend
time with friends. These activities may not seem like
“work,” but they help children develop their talents and
learn important skills, such as self-direction and how
to interact with others. The key is to give children
age-appropriate tasks that do not interfere too much
with their other activities.
Getting everyone to help with household chores can be a
challenge. Having a family meeting can help. Schedule a
meeting with those who can take responsibility for tasks
– Make an appointment with the whole family! Decide what
tasks must be done and how often they have to be
accomplished. Decide who can do which jobs. Be sure to
allow each family member to have input and listen to
each person’s ideas. Some families make a chart to
rotate jobs. Some family members have favorite jobs.
Many jobs have required standards – an early teacher
about quality control. A large calendar is an easy way
to track who has responsibility for what. After trying
out the plan for a week or two, have another family
meeting to talk about how well it is working. Make any
changes that are needed at that time.
Some household tasks can be done as a family activity,
which can help create a sense of closeness. Children can
help sort unused clothing and toys for a family fund
raiser – a yard sale. Perhaps the proceeds can be used
for family fun. These activities might even become new
family traditions. Working together as a family to
accomplish household tasks helps everything get done,
creates a sense of family togetherness, and teaches
children responsibility.
For more Information about Balancing work and family
visit
http://www.familiesandwork.org/. Also, see MU
publication
GH6653 - Challenges and Choices: Time Effectiveness —
Prioritizing Your Time and MU publication
GH6641 – Family Councils: The Key is Communication.
Last Updated 09/27/2007
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