Why Chores Are Essential for Building Executive Functioning Skills in Children

Chores are often dismissed as just mundane tasks for children, but they are, in fact, powerful tools for developing essential Executive Functioning (EF) skills.

EF skills are critical cognitive abilities that help individuals plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage tasks successfully. These skills are foundational for both academic success and real-world problem-solving. By incorporating chores into daily routines, children can strengthen their EF skills, which will serve them throughout their lives.

1. Promotes Planning and Organization

When children are assigned regular chores, they are often required to plan their approach and organize their tasks. For example, making a bed or putting away laundry requires sorting items by type and figuring out the most efficient method. These types of tasks help children develop organizational skills and planning abilities, key components of EF that are necessary for managing larger projects in school and later in life.

2. Enhances Time Management

Chores provide children with opportunities to practice time management. Whether it's vacuuming the house or folding towels, children must balance their chores with other daily activities, like homework or leisure time. Learning to allocate time for tasks, plan ahead, and meet deadlines helps children develop time management skills, a crucial aspect of EF that will be vital in school, work, and adult life.

3. Strengthens Focus and Attention

To complete chores successfully, children must focus on the task at hand. Whether it's washing dishes or sorting recycling, these activities require sustained attention and concentration. Through regular chores, children build their ability to focus on one task for an extended period, improving their attention span—an important EF skill that can also enhance academic performance.

4. Builds Self-Control and Impulse Regulation

Chores often require children to manage their impulses. When a child is asked to clean their room, they must resist the temptation to get distracted by their phone or television. Completing tasks even when they don’t feel like it helps children develop self-control, one of the most important EF skills. This ability to regulate impulses supports better decision-making and reduces distractions.

5. Fosters Problem-Solving and Adaptability

Chores often come with challenges that require children to think critically and find solutions. For example, figuring out how to organize a cluttered bookshelf or how to remove a tough stain requires creativity and problem-solving skills. Regularly engaging in such tasks helps children develop their problem-solving abilities and the flexibility to adapt when things don't go as planned.

6. Teaches Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Completing chores, especially ones that are repetitive or challenging, teaches emotional regulation. Children can learn how to manage frustration when something doesn’t go perfectly. Over time, this strengthens their resilience, as they learn to push through difficulties and develop the emotional intelligence to handle setbacks in a calm, productive manner.

7. Encourages Responsibility and Accountability

Assigning chores teaches children about responsibility and accountability, which are essential components of EF. When children are responsible for completing specific tasks, they learn the importance of following through, making commitments, and being accountable for their actions. This contributes to stronger decision-making and goal-setting abilities, helping children succeed in both school and future endeavors.

8. Develops Self-Motivation and Initiative

When children are tasked with household chores, they often have to work independently without constant reminders. This encourages self-motivation and initiative, helping them take responsibility for their actions and develop the drive to complete tasks without external pressure. These are crucial skills for academic and career success, where self-directed work is often necessary.

9. Builds Teamwork and Collaboration

Many household chores involve working with others, whether it's cleaning a shared space or cooking a family meal. These experiences teach teamwork and collaboration, EF skills that foster positive social interactions and effective communication. Learning to work well with others and manage group dynamics is essential for success in both academic and workplace settings.

10. Provides Opportunities for Reflection and Feedback

Chores give children the chance to reflect on their work and receive feedback. For example, after washing dishes or completing a task, children can assess the quality of their work. Feedback from parents or caregivers can help them improve their performance, which encourages self-awareness—another critical component of EF.

Conclusion

Incorporating chores into a child’s daily routine is far more than just about keeping the house clean. It’s a vital opportunity to build Executive Functioning skills, which are foundational for academic success, personal growth, and later professional achievement. By regularly practicing chores, children gain confidence, develop life skills, and learn how to plan, focus, and regulate their emotions and behaviors. With a solid foundation of EF skills, children are better equipped to navigate the complexities of school, work, and adulthood.

Recommended Chores for Toddlers: 

Picking up toys: Encourages organization and responsibility.​
Putting dirty clothes in a hamper: Teaches sorting and cleanliness habits.​
Wiping up spills: Develops motor skills and attentiveness.​

Recommended Chores for 7-9 yos: 

Making Their Bed: Encourages daily responsibility and routine.
Setting and Clearing the Table: Builds fine motor skills and fosters family contribution.
Folding and Putting Away Laundry: Develops organizational skills and helps with coordination.
Feeding Pets: Instills accountability and empathy towards animals.
Watering Plants: Teaches care and patience.
Sweeping or Using a Handheld Vacuum: Develops motor skills and responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.
Helping with Simple Meal Prep: Tasks like washing fruits, stirring ingredients, or setting out utensils encourage kitchen confidence.
Taking Out Small Bins of Trash: Teaches responsibility for shared spaces.
Organizing Toys and Books: Promotes tidiness and personal responsibility.
Helping with Yard Work: Tasks like raking leaves or pulling weeds can provide a sense of accomplishment and time outdoors.

For 9-12 year olds: 

Doing Laundry: Sorting, loading the washer and dryer, and folding clothes teaches independence and organizational skills.
Cooking Simple Meals: Preparing easy breakfasts or lunches with supervision builds confidence in the kitchen.
Washing Dishes or Loading the Dishwasher: Encourages cleanliness and responsibility.
Taking Out the Trash and Recycling: Reinforces environmental responsibility and the importance of completing routine tasks.
Caring for Younger Siblings: Assisting with playtime or helping with simple tasks fosters leadership and empathy.
Yard Work: Mowing the lawn, watering plants, and pulling weeds develop perseverance and physical fitness.
Helping with Pet Care: Walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, or refreshing water bowls instills empathy and reliability.