Parents have many different hopes and dreams for their children. At the top of the list is the desire for their children to be successful. Success can be defined in different ways – some people focus on professional and financial success, while others define success by the strength of their relationships.
There is a certain approach to parenting that helps children succeed – however you define it, and it is not what you think.
When children regularly help out around the house, it has a significant impact on their later success in life.
According to a Harvard study, children become successful adults by taking on household chores in three ways:
1. Children who do chores become happier adults
Dr. Williams, pediatrician, father of five and “TikTok Kid Doc,” revealed the “unexpected secret to raising happy kids.”
He explained that implementing a simple practice in children’s lives can bring about positive changes in the present and future: by expecting them to complete daily tasks.
Dr. Williams based his argument on a study conducted at Harvard University in 1938, which was initially called the Harvard Grant. In 1947, the name of the study was changed to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, as it is known today.
One aspect of the study’s long-term approach was to analyze how events in early childhood affect people in adulthood. The study concluded that children who do chores become happier adults.
He also cited a separate 20-year study from the University of Minnesota that supported the conclusion of the Harvard University study. That study found that encouraging children to do chores is the best predictor of their overall success in adulthood, especially if they start doing them at a young age.
2. Children who do chores have more empathy.
When children do household chores, there are practical benefits, such as a clean, tidy home. But the benefits go even further and affect children’s emotional development.
“When your children do chores, it builds their self-esteem and helps them realize that they are contributing to a larger ecosystem,” explains Dr. Williams.
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Expecting children to clean up their backlog teaches them a valuable lesson that will benefit them in their adult relationships.
While doing chores, the kids realize that there is no magic fairy to pick up the sweaty soccer uniform they left in the hallway. Most likely, their mother picked it up, washed it, folded it, and put it back in the dresser.
When parents do everything for their children, including chores, they instill a sense of learned helplessness. This reinforces the idea that everyone else is responsible for their well-being, which can easily lead to them, as adults, not helping their partner with the mental load required to keep the household running smoothly.
Through housework, children learn to perceive the needs of others, which is an essential part of developing empathy and a high level of emotional intelligence.
3. Children who do housework are more successful in their careers.
Through housework, children also develop a strong work ethic that will stay with them in school and their professional lives.
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Although chores have benefits, most parents do not ask their children to help around the house. Dr. Williams cited a survey that found that only 28% of parents regularly ask their children to do chores.
“My advice is to give the kid a toilet brush and just watch the college scholarships pour in,” he explained.
Children’s responsibilities can be as simple as cleaning up their toys after playing or washing their plate after eating. As children grow older, their responsibilities should grow with them, paving the way for them to become capable and caring adults.
Alexandra Blogier is a writer on YourTango’s news and entertainment team, covering social issues, pop culture, and all things entertainment.
