Besides free playtime, home
chores is another form of physical exercise that additionally teaches
responsibility. These are home activities like cleaning, wiping tables,
chopping vegetables, setting the table, throwing out garbage, doing dishes,
making yourself a simple snack, and the list is endless. Activities can be age-
appropriately taught and assigned to children as young as 2 years old.
Each of these chores offers a variety of
movement that is essential for motor learning that further leads to structural
changes in the brain. Moreover, all of these chores provide sensory input to
our nervous system that is so necessary for our well-being.
Pulling out wet clothes from the
washer---provides tactile and proprioceptive input.
Drying wet clothes on a
clothesline—motor planning, strengthening of arms in addition to tactile, proprioceptive,
and vestibular input.
Chopping vegetables—proprioceptive
and tactile input to the hand and fingers thus contributing to fine motor
skills.
Bending over repeatedly to pick
up objects from floor—vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive input.
Home chores are meaningful and
functional with each one being a goal in itself. It is well known that goal accomplishment is a
reward that boosts confidence and self-esteem. Due to the inherent nature of
these tasks, they create opportunities to move our head and body segments in
infinite ways. Additionally, they require problem-solving to a large extent.
What size container will you
choose to take out leftovers?
How are you going to move your
bucket full of wet clothes—by carrying, pushing, or pulling?
How do you fold towels of different sizes?
How do you hold 2 ends of a
garment and hang it on a line?
Do you need to scrub a surface or
just wipe it lightly?
What body movements can be used
to carry things from the car to the house?
What is the best way to pull the
suitcase during travels?
Variety of movement and
problem-solving are the key ingredients to cause structural changes in our
brain. Variation in movement helps integrate our senses, thus leading to
efficient functioning. Movement is life
and life is all about a variety of movement.
In our quest to have our children
accomplish so much in a single day, we are forgetting the critical healthy
option, which is to physically use our bodies to accomplish a meaningful task. Our
children are always engaged in activities rather than learning to solve
problems and challenge themselves functionally. The daily routine is devoid of
the sensory input that is so essential for the development and nourishment of
our nervous system.
Children do require sports and
organized activities; however, balancing them with chores and tasks around the
house goes a long way in improving their attention, problem-solving, and
realizing their share of responsibility.
A longest Harvard study has concluded that children who have
participated in house chores tend to live successful professional lives as
adults.
Some
age-appropriate chores for children as follows:
2-3 year olds
Pick up toys.
Dust with a rag.
Collect dirty clothes.
4-5 year olds
Set the table.
Put away clean silverware.
Straighten books on bookshelf.
Sweep kitchen with small broom.
Wipe tables.
Fold towels.
Water plants.
Bring things from car to house.
6-7 year olds
Sweep floors.
Fold clothes.
Take out wet clothes from washer.
Wash light dishes.
Help parent in preparing food.
Take out garbage.
10 year olds
Mop floors.
Help supervise younger siblings.
Tidy bedrooms and kitchen.
Help with cooking and baking.
Pushing around small furniture.
