Why Involve Children in Household Chores?

Developmental psychology studies are unanimous: children who participate in household tasks develop better social skills, greater autonomy, and better self-esteem. Far from being punishment, chores are a life school that prepares your children to become responsible adults.

But how do you involve a 6-year-old differently from a 15-year-old teenager? And how do you make this participation fair and motivating? This is where FairChore's affected members system makes all the difference.

The Key Principle: Adapt Tasks to Age

Not all tasks suit all ages. An 8-year-old can't cook a complete meal, but they can perfectly clear the table or tidy their room.

With FairChore, you can select affected members for each task type. Thus, your children are only involved in tasks suited to their age and abilities.

Task Guide by Age Group

Ages 2-3: First Steps

At this age, children love imitating adults. Take advantage of it!

Putting toys in a box
Putting dirty clothes in the hamper
Throwing trash in the bin
Wiping a surface with a cloth

FairChore tip: These tasks only concern the child themselves. Create task types like "Put away toys" with the child as the only affected member.

Ages 4-5: Developing Autonomy

Making their bed (even imperfectly)
Setting the table (with help)
Putting away their shoes
Watering plants
Feeding pets

Ages 6-8: Real Responsibilities

The child can now accomplish tasks that benefit the whole family.

Setting and clearing the table
Loading and unloading the dishwasher
Folding and putting away their clothes
Vacuuming their room
Taking out trash
Helping prepare simple meals

FairChore tip: "Clearing the table" can now affect the whole family, including the 7-year-old. When they do this task, they gain points and everyone (parents included) loses some. Fair and motivating!

Ages 9-12: Growing Autonomy

Vacuuming the whole house
Cleaning the bathroom (sink, mirror)
Doing their complete laundry
Preparing their breakfast
Shopping with a list
Mowing the lawn (with supervision)

Teenagers (13+): Almost Adults

Preparing complete meals for the family
Fully managing their laundry and ironing
Deep cleaning the kitchen
Weekly grocery shopping
Babysitting siblings
DIY and small repairs

How FairChore Makes Chores Fair for Children

The Classic System Problem

In a classic point system, if Mom cooks and everyone loses points, it's unfair for the 6-year-old who couldn't do that task anyway.

The Solution: Affected Members

With FairChore, when you record "Prepare dinner," you select only members capable of doing this task (parents and teenager). The 6-year-old isn't affected: they don't lose points.

However, when the 6-year-old clears the table, everyone is affected because everyone eats! They gain points and others lose some, including Mom and Dad.

Result: each child is involved at their level, no more, no less.

Making Chores Motivating

Point Visualization

Children love seeing their progress. The FairChore dashboard clearly shows them their points. A child with positive points can be proud of their contribution!

Economic Balance

If your child never wants to do a certain task, maybe it doesn't "pay" enough. Increase its points! Conversely, if all children fight over watering plants, lower that task's points.

Conclusion

Involving your children in household chores isn't exploiting them: it's giving them tools to become autonomous and responsible adults. With FairChore and its affected members system, you can adapt each child's participation to their age and abilities, while guaranteeing perfect equity.

Your children will concretely see their contribution and be motivated to participate more. It's win-win!