Should parents ask their children to do chores or should they be allowed to just enjoy their childhood without any responsibilities? 

The decision is one every parent has to make and some point as their child grows up. 

On Lunchtime Live, Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Anne Keogh said she believes strongly that it is a “very good idea” for most children to go chores. 

“If you think about chores, they’re not something anyone is really dying to do,” she said. 

“So, starting young and with things they can achieve that are maybe more satisfying makes kids be more interested in doing them.” 

Children helping with chores. Picture by: MBI / Alamy.

Dr Keogh added that it helps children to learn about the “reality of life”. 

“If you’re going to make dinner, you have to clean up afterwards,” she said. 

“If you’re going to bake a cake, you have to clean up the mess that happened when you made it. 

“So, it is definitely good for everybody’s agency, responsibility and mental health to do some form of chores.” 

She continued that even toddlers can be asked to do small tasks around the house. 

“Like bringing the cutlery to the table,” she suggested.

“Or putting your shoes where they’re supposed to be. 

“It’s doesn’t have to be massive tasks that they can’t achieve. 

“In fact, it’s not useful if they have to do something they can’t do.” 

A distracted child. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Dr Keogh concluded that it will likely help with their self confidence. 

“Often you’ll find if someone comes to visit, everyone’s cleaning up and there’s pride in showing off that,” she said. 

“As parents, we’re guilty because it’s so easy to just do it - ‘I’ll probably do a better job.’ 

“But actually, they need to be gently encouraged over time.”

Main image: A father and son unloading dishwasher together. Picture by: Alamy.com.