In China, whether the parents should ask their kids to do housework is always a hot topic. Sometimes parents think about whether they should really give their kids some housework. In some parents’ eyes, kids should just be kids. After all, it will be a long time for kids to do housework after they grow up. So they don’t want their kids to do any housework.

For most kids, it seems that their duty is to study hard, so they are busy with their schoolwork all the time. They have little time to do the cleaning or make the bed. However, in my opinion, teaching your kids to do some easy housework is important. Kids who do housework can learn some life skills. They will be useful in the future life. And they can also teach children to be independent in their life.

Once kids start going to school, you can ask them to do some simple things at home. For example, teach your kids to put away their shoes and schoolbags. Then, you can gradually give more jobs to them. As the jobs become more difficult, you can teach your kids slowly how to finish each of them. For example, when kids do the dishes, tell them as clearly as possible how much washing-up liquid (洗涤剂) they need to use. It is common that kids can’t do everything very well at their first try. But don’t worry. Just give them more chances, and they will do the jobs better and better.

Please give your kids some suitable (合适的) housework. This is good for their future.

Some replies from Dr. Know: