Kids And ChoresНамуна

Alaysha was sitting on the couch watching a show, with a big bowl of snacks in front of her.

Her peace was interrupted when her mom came in with the vacuum.

“Juan and his parents are coming over at 5. You’ll need to clean your room before then.”

Alaysha groaned. “Do I have to?”

“Yes.” 

“Why?”

“Because it’s messy.”

Mom turned on the vacuum.

“Hey! I can’t hear my show!” 

“In that case you can take your snack into the kitchen. While you’re there, clear your stuff off the table.”

“This is my house too!” Alaysha yelled over the vacuum. “Why do I have to work?”

Does this interaction sound familiar to you? The only thing that’s less fun than chores is getting someone else to do them! It’s true that kids who do chores end up with more friends, better grades, and more money when they grow up. But none of those far away incentives makes it any easier to start working together on the work of the household.

First, take a step back. What are chores? Chores are things that need to get done in order for family life to happen. Chores around food make sure everyone can eat. Chores around cleaning make sure everyone has a space to work and play. Chores lay the foundation for everything else you want to do in your home.

For all these reasons, the chores of your household should be a shared responsibility. Joshua knew this when he said, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” For Joshua it wasn’t a question whether his family would work together, or each decide separately who they would serve. The work that supports your family takes your whole family working together. 

Try this: Parents and kids, name three things that someone else in your family does for you.

Prayer: God, as for me and my house we will serve you! Amen.

More: Remind your family that kids and parents once worked together to pay for their rent.