Chores a good start for life skills

THERE is a fine line parents walk when teaching children responsibility.

Like Dr Justin Coulson rightly points out, as parents we want our kids to enjoy their childhood, to be outside riding their bikes and playing with their friends.

But, as parents we have an obligation to teach our children responsibility and instil them with essential life skills that will help them succeed.

There are times when we must put playtime aside.

I’m not great at administering chores; I like things done a certain way, which makes me resistant to letting the kids, or anyone else, take over.

But I do have some expectations. For example, on a school morning I’ll remind my kids they need to be ready by a certain time, with rooms tidied, teeth and hair brushed, pets fed and bags packed.

If they forget something they require for school, that’s on them. I want them to understand there are consequences for their actions.

My partner is far better, with her children expected to take in the washing and unload the dishwasher each day.

These are small tasks, some people may say inconsequential, but I would argue that they provide a fantastic platform for teaching children vital life lessons that go beyond the classroom and school books.