Why do household chores strengthen children's emotional health?

Experts point out that taking on household chores together with your children can be an excellent way to strengthen the overall family bond . According to the Sumédico website, these shared activities offer valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and emotional development for the little ones in the house.

This type of activity fosters organization, responsibility, planning, and problem-solving skills in children.

A Harvard University study called the Study of Adult Development has followed different generations for more than eight decades to identify the factors that contribute to long-term well-being. Led by psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, it has shown that strong personal relationships—even within the family—are better predictors of a happy and long life than socioeconomic status, IQ, or even genes.

Along the same lines, the Harvard Graduate School of Education project , Making Caring Common , has highlighted the benefits of incorporating everyday tasks as a means of cultivating empathy, a sense of belonging and responsibility in childhood.

According to experts, children who participate in household chores develop a greater sense of responsibility, autonomy, and cooperation—essential skills for a healthy adult life.

Housework is an excellent tool for fostering responsibility, autonomy, and teamwork in children, according to Sumédico. From a young age, they can learn to pick up their toys, help set the table, or make their bed. As they grow, they can take on more complex tasks such as cleaning their room, helping prepare simple meals, taking out the trash, or caring for pets.

In this way, children's chores lighten the family load and promote the overall development of the youngest members of the household. These activities help children perceive the collective effort and recognize themselves as an active part of the family group.

Among the tasks recommended by experts are: