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Participating in homework makes a child more mature
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Experts in the field of child psychology are sure that if you overprotect your child and do not involve him in doing housework, then his chances of becoming independent are minimal.
Many of us remember how teamwork was encouraged in Soviet times. Indeed, it is much easier for a child to do work together with others – after all, he or she acquires the necessary skills faster. And complete freedom of action and exemption from responsibilities, contrary to popular belief, prevents a child from becoming an adult.
This is the opinion of most child psychologists.
"Parents are in a hurry to concentrate on the child's mental development, as well as on making his life more comfortable. Often in families you can hear phrases like: "Move away, I'll do everything myself (or myself)", "Go for a walk, and I'll clean up in the meantime", "You'll get knowledge at school, and you'll learn the rest somehow", and so on. Unfortunately, many mothers and fathers do not take into account that it is the joint performance of household chores, even boring (in the opinion of adults), that helps the child become independent," the experts are sure.
Psychologists claim that helping a child with household chores, even if it is insignificant or requires redoing, leads to the formation of an adequate attitude towards work responsibilities. Many experts are sure that such an approach will make the little person's future more successful.
"It is necessary to involve the child in household chores as early as possible - this is the key to success. For example, already at an early age, starting from three years old, the child is quite capable of helping mom or grandma take out the trash, put away the plates, put away the toys, water the flowerpots, etc.", - the specialist comments.
Teachers emphasize that the child does not simply take direct part in any actions of adults: he acquires the basic skills and abilities for later life. Pediatricians add that a three-year-old child should already be able to independently take off and put on clothes, wash his hands, and clear the table. A five-year-old child is quite capable of dusting, feeding a pet, and putting clothes on shelves. A six- or seven-year-old child can already be introduced to washing dishes or floors, and even cooking.
"In order for a child to develop the necessary strategic skills over time, he must see how an adult does this or that work. Only after that can you trust the child to complete the task independently. You should not criticize the child, laugh at him or scold him if he does something differently than you would like. It is not a problem if at first the adult has to redo something done by the child. In any case, the little helper must be praised for his efforts. The main thing is that the child is introduced to work. Remember that excessive criticism and ridicule will forever discourage the little person from wanting to help," concludes leading psychologist Ekaterina Melnikova.
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