Whether you have a full-fledged homestead or just a few backyard rabbits or chickens, chores are a integral part of daily life for food producers.
But are chores a necessary evil or is there hidden value in these monotonous task beyond the food they produce?
Here are . . .
3 Reasons Your Kids Benefit from Daily Chores
* Preferably with food animals
1. Kids thrive on routine and structure.
While most kids may think they would like to do whatever they want all day, the reality is that a complete lack of structure is unnerving to young children.
The constant decision-making of what to do next can be subtly exhausting and leave them without a sense of direction.
Kids want to know what to expect, and what's expected of them.
Unstructured play time is important, but it should be built into a structure that the kids can depend on.
When a child's day is completely unstructured, jobs feel like an intrusion on their play.
When a predictable structure is in place with free time mixed in, children thrive on the security of knowing what's coming.
2. Caring for another living being builds confidence, purpose and belonging.
Young children are used to depending on adults to have their needs met.
That is good and right, but as they grow they need to know that they can care for others and contribute positively. *
If nothing is ever required of children they struggle to find purpose and belonging; an insecurity which generally leads to antisocial behaviors.
But . . .
When another living being depends on your child for survival and wellbeing, their confidence and sense of purpose soars.
A bonus result is that children learn cause and effect at an early age. If they neglect their chores, they will quickly see the negative consequences. When they're faithful, they and their animals thrive.
3. Participating in food production breeds gratitude for what hits their plate.
When all of a child's food comes from a grocery store, it's impossible for them to understand the work that went into producing that food.
The effect is magnified when eating at a restaurant. ("It just appears like magic!")
At-home food production cuts through all of that disconnect and gives children a front row seat to the whole process. The more involved they are the more they will understand and appreciate what they're eating.
When children help raise their own food, they literally get to taste the reward of their labors.
In summary, daily chores are a normal part of raising your own food, especially with animals.
While children may not always enjoy these tasks, they benefit them emotionally, socially and psychologically, shaping them into more confident, responsible and grateful adults.
* Caveat: Obviously, jobs need to be age appropriate. If you're looking for a solution to make backyard chickens easy for kits, check out our line of easy to move chicken tractors.
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