When Eid Al Fitr arrives, many household assistants (ART) and child caregivers (nannies) return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This situation often becomes a challenge for families who rely on their assistance in managing household tasks. However, this moment can actually be utilized as a golden opportunity to teach children about responsibility and independence through household chores. 

Teaching children to participate in household chores is not just about helping parents; it is also about building essential life skills. Children who are involved in household tasks from an early age become more independent, responsible, and develop a sense of belonging to their home environment. 

• Developing a Sense of Responsibility 

By participating in household chores, children learn that they have a role in the family and that responsibility is not only for adults. 

• Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

When children face household tasks such as sweeping or washing dishes, they learn to solve problems and find the best ways to complete their tasks. 

• Supporting Motor and Cognitive Development

Activities such as folding clothes, organizing toys or watering plants can improve hand-eye coordination and develop logical thinking skills. 

• Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Self-Ownership

Children who contribute to household chores feel like an important part of the family, which helps build emotional attachment and a sense of belonging. 

Strategies of Teaching Household Chores

To prevent children from feeling overwhelmed, it is essential for parents to assign age appropriate tasks. Children aged 2-3 can tidy up toys, throw away small trash, and set spoons and forks on the dining table. Children aged 4-5 can help in sweeping with a small broom, fold simple clothes, and help water plants. Older children can help in washing plastic dishes, wiping the dining table, making the bed, washing light laundry, mop the floor, and preparing light meals. 

To keep children excited, parents can make household chores enjoyable by playing music or their favorite songs while doing the chores. Offering rewards such as praise or a star chart for completing tasks will boost motivation and encourage consistency. Doing chores together helps children feel supported and less alone in their responsibilities. Parents may also turn household tasks into fun challenging games, like seeing who can tidy up their room the fastest. By making chores engaging, children develop a positive attitude toward responsibility. 

Conclusion 

When ART and nannies return to their hometowns during Eid Al Fitr, parents have a golden opportunity to involve their children in household chores. By assigning age-appropriate tasks and making them an enjoyable experience, children will learn about responsibility, independence, and develop a sense of belonging to their home. This not only helps lighten the parents’ workload but also shapes character and life skills that will benefit children in the future. 

Taken from various resources