Why Bother Give Chores to Kids (When You Have Household Help)

Let’s be honest—getting your kids to do chores can sometimes feel like trying to teach a cat to fetch. You’ve got a perfectly capable housekeeper who handles everything like a pro, so why even bother making the kids pitch in? It’s tempting to just let kids be kids, but there’s a lot more to chores than just ticking off a to-do list. 

Here’s why you should consider having your kids to do chores:

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Building Responsibility (and that’s not a bad thing)

Imagine this: your child is 25, living in their own apartment, and has no clue how to boil an egg without setting off the smoke detector. Scary, right? 

Chores are like tiny life lessons in responsibility.

When kids are responsible for something, even something as small as feeding the cat or wiping down the kitchen counter, they learn to take ownership. That sense of responsibility is a gift that keeps on giving—into adulthood and beyond. It’s like planting a seed now so that someday your child won’t be the adult who thinks laundry magically cleans itself.

Life Changes, and So Do Our Circumstances

Here’s another reality check – life doesn’t always go according to plan. You might not always have someone around to help out. Whether it’s because your favorite housekeeper retired, you move to a place where help isn’t as easy to find, or you can’t afford household help anymore, the last thing you want is your kid staring at a sink full of dirty dishes like it’s something that aliens left behind. 

Teaching them to manage chores now prepares them for those moments when life throws a curveball.

And trust me, those curveballs come when you least expect them!

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Boost Self-Esteem One Dusty Shelf at a Time

Believe it or not, finishing a chore gives kids a little confidence boost. It’s a small win in their day that says, “Wow, I can do this!” Whether it’s putting away the groceries or vacuuming the living room, they get to feel like they’ve accomplished something meaningful. It’s the same feeling you get when you cross off that last item on your to-do list, but for them, it’s even bigger because they’re still figuring out what they’re capable of.

Every clean dish and neatly folded towel is a step toward a more confident kid.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Chores are also a sneaky way to teach teamwork. When kids have a role in keeping the household running, they start to see themselves as part of a team. They understand that everyone needs to pitch in to make things work. And let’s face it, when the going gets tough or they’re in their teenage years complaining about everything, having them see the family as a team isn’t such a bad thing.

Silver Platters Aren’t Real (most of the time)

Last but not least, chores teach kids that not everything in life is handed to them on a silver platter.

In a world where instant gratification is the norm, understanding the value of hard work is more important than ever.

It’s a lesson that will serve them well, whether they’re working toward a goal, a promotion, or just trying to make it through the week.

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So, next time you’re tempted to let your housekeeper handle everything, remember the hidden perks of getting your kids involved. Sure, it might take a little extra time and patience, but in the end, you’re raising responsible, confident, and capable humans—and that’s totally worth it.

Stay tuned for our next blog on fun and clever ways you can get your kids involved in chores, even if you have housekeepers and nannies.