Why Chores Are Essential for Building Executive Functioning Skills in Children

More Than Just Tasks — They're Life Skills in Disguise

We often think of chores as just basic to-do items for kids—things that keep the house running smoothly. But they’re actually so much more than that! Chores are powerful tools that help children build essential life skills, especially when it comes to something called Executive Functioning (EF).

EF skills are the brain’s management system. They help kids (and adults!) plan ahead, stay focused, remember instructions, and get things done. These skills are super important for success in school, relationships, and later on, work. And guess what? Everyday chores are one of the best ways to strengthen them.

Let’s take a look at how:

1. Chores Teach Planning and Organization
When kids take on regular chores, they start learning how to plan their steps and organize their work. For example, putting away clean laundry means sorting, folding, and figuring out where things go. These are the same organizational skills they’ll use for school projects or managing their schedule as they grow up.

2. They Help Kids Manage Their Time
Fitting chores into a busy day teaches kids how to prioritize and stay on track. Whether it’s vacuuming the living room or setting the dinner table, they learn how to juggle tasks alongside homework, screen time, and downtime—setting the stage for good time management down the road.

3. Chores Improve Focus and Attention
Some chores require full attention—think washing dishes or sweeping the floor. These moments help kids strengthen their ability to stay focused and follow through, which carries over into the classroom and other parts of life.

4. They Build Self-Control and Discipline
Let’s be real—chores aren’t always fun. But doing them even when they don’t want to helps kids build impulse control. Resisting the urge to play video games instead of cleaning their room? That’s discipline. And it’s a big part of learning how to stick with responsibilities.

5. Chores Boost Problem-Solving Skills
Not all tasks are straightforward. Figuring out how to clean up a messy play area or fix a stuck drawer means kids need to think creatively and come up with solutions. These are great problem-solving moments that build adaptability too.

6. They Teach Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Some chores are boring. Some are frustrating. But getting through them teaches kids to manage their emotions and keep going, even when things don’t go perfectly. Over time, they learn how to handle challenges without getting emotionally or mentally overwhelmed.

7. Chores Encourage Responsibility
When kids are in charge of specific tasks, they learn what it means to follow through, be reliable, and take ownership of their actions. These experiences are huge for building accountability, agency and independence.

8. They Nurture Motivation and Initiative
Kids who do chores often need to get started and finish without someone constantly reminding them. This encourages internal motivation—getting things done because it’s the right thing to do, not just because someone told them to.

9. Chores Build Teamwork and Cooperation
Many chores involve working with others, like tidying a shared space or helping with family meals. These moments teach kids how to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to a team—skills they’ll use in school, sports, and the workplace.

10. They Offer a Chance to Reflect and Improve
After a job well done (or not-so-well done), kids can look back and evaluate what went right and what they can do better next time. Constructive feedback from you helps them grow and builds self-awareness—another key EF skill.

Final Thoughts
Chores aren’t just about getting things done around the house—they’re about shaping capable, confident kids. When chores are a regular part of a child’s routine, they’re building essential life skills that support success in school, relationships, and adulthood.

So the next time your child grumbles about folding laundry or wiping the table, remind them (and yourself!)—they’re doing more than helping out. They’re practicing focus, responsibility, and resilience, one chore at a time.

Recommended Chores for Toddlers: 

Picking up toys: Encourages organization and responsibility.​
Putting dirty clothes in a hamper: Teaches sorting and cleanliness habits.​
Wiping up spills: Develops motor skills and attentiveness.​

Recommended Chores for 7-9 yos: 

Making Their Bed: Encourages daily responsibility and routine.
Setting and Clearing the Table: Builds fine motor skills and fosters family contribution.
Folding and Putting Away Laundry: Develops organizational skills and helps with coordination.
Feeding Pets: Instills accountability and empathy towards animals.
Watering Plants: Teaches care and patience.
Sweeping or Using a Handheld Vacuum: Develops motor skills and responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.
Helping with Simple Meal Prep: Tasks like washing fruits, stirring ingredients, or setting out utensils encourage kitchen confidence.
Taking Out Small Bins of Trash: Teaches responsibility for shared spaces.
Organizing Toys and Books: Promotes tidiness and personal responsibility.
Helping with Yard Work: Tasks like raking leaves or pulling weeds can provide a sense of accomplishment and time outdoors.

For 9-12 year olds: 

Doing Laundry: Sorting, loading the washer and dryer, and folding clothes teaches independence and organizational skills.
Cooking Simple Meals: Preparing easy breakfasts or lunches with supervision builds confidence in the kitchen.
Washing Dishes or Loading the Dishwasher: Encourages cleanliness and responsibility.
Taking Out the Trash and Recycling: Reinforces environmental responsibility and the importance of completing routine tasks.
Caring for Younger Siblings: Assisting with playtime or helping with simple tasks fosters leadership and empathy.
Yard Work: Mowing the lawn, watering plants, and pulling weeds develop perseverance and physical fitness.
Helping with Pet Care: Walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, or refreshing water bowls instills empathy and reliability.