Good Home Habits Taught Early On Have Long-Term Benefits
Assigning Responsibilities To Kids Increases Overall Healthy Behavior

(ARA) - Rarely does a day go by when negative behavior or violence among today's youth isn't covered in the country's national news reports. More and more parents are coming under fire for their child's actions, although they are equally concerned and confused. What steps can be taken to turn this trend around - to keep semblance in the home and order in the schools? Susan Turben, Ph.D., a nationally recognized Parent Educator and Child Development Specialist, offers several suggestions to parents in raising today's youth.

"Early on, parents need to communicate who's in charge of the household, and that can be done many ways," said Turben. "One such way is to assign responsibilities to children and treat those activities as having real value. Stay away from the word 'chores' - which can give the impression that the activity lacks real work."

"One of the key benefits of establishing responsibility is that children learn very early on that parents and family members want them to help, which happens to be one of the most positive reinforcements they can have at a young age. And by helping, children also learn to cooperate with siblings and other family members - essentially leading to a strong sense of partnership and trust," continued Turben. "This sense of trust also allows for better communication." If children are taught and entrusted to work with useful and special equipment, such as vacuums or other household appliances, and can complete each task successfully, then the child's confidence is nurtured. This is called multi-sensory learning - or in simple terms - children feel competent to use their motor functions, intellect and social skills, all at the same time.

"Good habits require a lot of training, yet most of children's habits, values and beliefs tend to stem from those of their parents," commented Turben. "Children incorporate these habits by imitating and repeating what their parents do, including the tools and equipment they use. In fact, objects that toddlers see their parents using regularly, often become their chosen play toys."

Understanding the needs of families today have become key elements of consideration in the design and development of new products at many top manufacturers. For example, the overall importance of having lightweight, easy-to-use household tools have become paramount for many families.

"Family time today is more limited than ever before," commented Rick Farone, Dirt Devil's Vice President of Product Development. "And while cleaning is a necessity in every home, people do not want to spend a lot of time on housework. That's why Dirt Devil is so focused on developing upright vacuums and specialty home care products that are powerful, yet easy enough for anyone in the home to use, even children."

"By popular demand from parents and child care providers alike, Dirt Devil also offers toy-sized working replicas of our most popular products. This way kids of all ages can work side-by-side with Mom or Dad and learn to 'help out' with the housework, while also acquiring valuable skills associated with role-playing and responsibility," continued Farone.

In addition, children also develop a sense of value by being given various responsibilities. For example, if a child helps with the vacuuming of carpets and dusting of furniture, he or she will assign a greater value to those items. This generally applies to specific play areas when they're young and transcends to other practical applications around the home or yard as they become young adults.

Tips To Remember In Assigning Responsibilities To Kids

So where does a parent begin, and how should they go about the process of assigning responsibility to their children?

Make a list, assign tasks and stick to it. Remember that assigning housework establishes a sense of teamwork and participation, especially when the outcome is to go out and have fun afterwards.

Develop a weekly schedule. For children and parents of all ages, scheduling is imperative so that each person has an active role and a sense of ownership in running the household. A comprehensive schedule is also a great time-saver for working parents.

Let children help. Even if it is a simple activity, such as making a leafy salad or loading plastic dishes into the dishwasher, encourage children and even toddlers to participate. By doing so, children get a better sense that they are being constructive and helping.

Remember that there is more than one way to complete a specific task. Observe a measure of flexibility and let children be creative as they work, especially if they offer suggestions.

Think in terms of "two" sets of devices or tools. Small children benefit from using a like-version (smaller or toy version, if available) of regularly used household devices, tools or appliances, such as a vacuum cleaner, lawn mower or ironing board.

Work side-by-side. A good work ethic can be easily learned at an early age. Besides, it's a great opportunity to spend time together and get some work done!

Let children imitate. Allow and encourage children to share in the same experiences and activities with which you may be engaged, even if it's as simple as using the phone or brushing your hair. After all, imitation is an important element in the development process. Parents should see this as a form of flattery - their children want to be just like them!

Spend more time in or around the home. If children learn to play and work in the home at an early age, they will value "home" as a haven later in life as well.

Reward a job well done. Remember to acknowledge their good work as a valuable contribution. Catch children being "good," and praise and encourage them often.

"There are many variables to consider when raising children today," concluded Turben. "But with all things considered, a regular routine - assigning household responsibilities and offering encouragement - is a great way for parents to establish consistent family guidelines for work time and play time. This will lead to healthier, happier households."