Chores – Are They Worth Pursuing or Do I Give Up?
If you've ever asked your child to clean up and been met with a meltdown, a blank stare, or a sudden disappearance, you’re not alone. Many parents question whether getting kids to do chores is worth the hassle.
The answer? Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. In fact, from an OT perspective, chores aren’t just about tidying the house—they’re developmental gold.
Why Chores Matter More Than You Think
Chores:
Build executive functioning (planning, sequencing, attention)
Strengthen fine and gross motor skills
Provide proprioceptive and tactile input (regulation through movement)
Support emotional resilience (confidence, persistence, contribution)
Reinforce structure, routine, and independence
Encourage family belonging and responsibility
“Chores are children’s first experience of purposeful occupation, and that builds self-worth.”
– Beryl Smith, OT
What the Research Says
Children who regularly do chores from an early age show higher self-esteem, greater academic success, and stronger life skills (Rossmann, 2002; Harvard Grant Study).
OT research highlights the role of functional participation in daily routines as key to developing independence and life skills (Case-Smith & O’Brien, 2015).
OT Lens – The Chore Development Timeline (0–12y)
Age
Developmental Chore Examples
0–2y
Put toys in basket, wipe up spills with help, carry lightweight items
3–4y
Dress self, feed pets, water plants, sort laundry, match socks
5–6y
Make bed, set/clear table, sweep with small broom, pack school bag
7–9y
Vacuum, fold laundry, prepare simple snacks, take out rubbish
10–12y
Cook simple meals, clean bathroom, wash car, organise shopping list
Tip: Think of chores as sensory-motor routines!
Barriers to Participation – And How to Overcome Them
Common roadblocks:
Sensory sensitivity (e.g., doesn’t like wet or sticky textures)
Low muscle tone or fatigue
Avoidance of non-preferred tasks
Executive functioning difficulties (forgetting, getting distracted)
Solutions:
Break tasks into smaller steps
Use visuals, checklists, or timers
Pair with music or fun challenges
Provide heavy work options (carrying groceries, vacuuming)
Offer praise and encouragement for effort, not perfection
OT-Backed Strategies to Build Chore Buy-In
Start early. Even toddlers can “help” with wiping or tidying.
Make it sensory-smart. Match chores to sensory preferences (e.g., pushing bins for proprioceptive seekers).
Give choices. Offer two chore options to support autonomy.
Use routines. Tie chores to a visual schedule (e.g., before screen time).
Model and co-do. Chores are a great time for connection and co-regulation.
Use rewards wisely. Focus on intrinsic motivation: “You’re a helpful part of this family.”
Conclusion
Yes, it’s worth it. Chores aren’t about a clean house; they’re about building life skills, confidence, emotional regulation, and family connection. Start where your child is, make it playful and purposeful, and remember: messy progress is still progress.
References:
Tepper, D. L., Howell, T. J., & Bennett, P. C. (2022). “Executive Functions and Household Chores: Does Engagement in Chores Predict Children’s Cognition?” Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Studied ~207 children aged 5–13.
Found that regular engagement in self-care chores (e.g. making themselves a meal) and family-care chores (e.g. cooking for others) significantly predicted working memory and inhibitory control.
Importantly, this held even when controlling for age, gender, and the presence of disability.
“Children’s chores improve brain function” — La Trobe University summary of Tepper et al. (2022)
Chore-like activities such as cooking, garden work correlate with better problem solving skills and school performance. Emphasises that age-appropriate chores help with executive functions: planning, self-regulation, switching between tasks, following instructions.
The OT Toolbox — “Chores and Executive Functioning Skills” (blog resource by OT practitioners)
Discusses how chores can serve as practical tools to build executive functioning in children and teens: time management, task initiation, planning, organisation.
Suggests using chores as part of OT goals: breaking tasks into parts, using checklists / visual prompts etc.