UK Kids Are Becoming 'Mini-Homemakers' Taking on Chores by Age 6
New research reveals that British children are taking on household responsibilities at an early age, with 1 in 10 children taking on chores around the home by age six. Meanwhile almost a quarter of children have not yet started helping with household tasks.
The study commissioned by Beko UK, a leading manufacturer of home appliances, surveyed over 500 British parents with eldest children aged 14-17. The findings uncovered the most common household tasks children are trusted to help with, how parents reward responsibility, and their beliefs related to children contributing around the home.
The research revealed that loading and unloading the dishwasher is one of the most common household tasks for children, showing that appliances are enabling children to contribute to household chores efficiently and safely.
Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, shares, "We're seeing parents recognise that involving children in appliance-related tasks from an early age creates positive habits that last a lifetime.
“When children understand how to properly load a dishwasher or sort laundry correctly, they're not just helping today but building skills they'll use throughout their adult lives."
Key survey findings:
* Starting young: Parents said their oldest child began doing chores between the ages of 0 to 3 (1%), 4 to 6 (9%), 7 to 10 (22%), 11 to 13 (24%), 14 to 15 (9%) and 16 to 17 (3%).
* The chores children help with most: Tidying the bedroom came top, with two-thirds of parents (67%) saying their child does this regularly.
* Other common chores: Caring for pets (40%), vacuuming or sweeping (34%), setting the table (33%), washing the dishes by hand (32%), loading or unloading the dishwasher (32%), food preparation (31%) and cooking (30%).
* Ways parents incentivise chores: Around 31% of parents give regular pocket money linked to chores, while 21% give no material reward.
* Why parents encourage chores: 62% believe it teaches independence and responsibility.
* Teaching children important life skills: Nearly three-quarters (72%) of parents said chores definitely help children develop important life skills.
Household Chores Are Useful for Children’s Development
Many parents (72%) believe chores help children develop important life skills, with an additional 21% agreeing to some extent. In particular, 62% of parents highlighted that chores teach independence and responsibility.
Dr. Patricia Barber, a Counselling Psychologist, explains how chores can be useful tools for children’s development, "Chores are a practical way to teach children independence and responsibility because they mirror real-life expectations."
"When children help with household tasks, they learn that everyone contributes to the running of a home, which is an important life skill."
"By completing chores, children develop problem-solving skills, time management, and a sense of accountability, all of which foster independence over time."
The Right Age to Begin Doing Chores: Earlier Is Better
The research reveals that parents encourage their children to help out with household tasks at different ages. Whilst 9% of children started chores between ages 4-6, the largest groups began helping between ages 7-10 (22%) and 11-13 (24%).
Supporting early introduction of chores, Barber says, "The most important thing is to try make them age-appropriate and achievable. From a young age, children can start learning basic habits that build responsibility, such as putting their toys away or placing their shoes by the door."
"Early exposure to chores helps children understand that helping out is part of everyday life, which fosters independence and reduces resistance later on. The earlier you begin modelling and encouraging these skills, the more natural they become for your child."
Children are Taking on a Variety of Responsibilities Around the Home
As well as the traditional chore of keeping bedrooms tidy (which 67% of children help with), children are taking on a variety of household tasks.
The research shows that 4 in 10 children help with caring for family pets. Nearly one in three children (32%) now regularly wash dishes by hand and help load or unload dishwashers (32%).
Children are also helping out with vacuuming or sweeping (34%), setting or clearing the table at mealtimes (33%) and assisting with food preparation including chopping and mixing ingredients (31%). Perhaps most surprisingly, 30% of children help with cooking meals for their families.
Greater Control and Safety Make Household Tasks More Accessible
With modern appliances offering enhanced control and built-in safety features, it’s easier than ever for families to share household tasks with confidence. Parents can now safely involve children in everyday chores that may once have felt too complex or risky.
"Today's appliances are designed with user-friendly interfaces that make household tasks more accessible for the whole family," explains Salah Sun.
"Features like delayed start timers on washing machines allow children to set laundry programmes before school, while child lock functions mean parents can trust that dryers and dishwashers are being operated safely. Having this extra level of control not only makes chores simpler but gives families peace of mind too.”
How to Overcome Parental Guilt
The survey reveals that 8% of parents sometimes feel guilty about asking their children to help with household tasks.
Barber offers some reassurance, "It's completely normal for parents to feel a little guilty about asking their children to help with chores, but in reality, it's one of the most beneficial things you can do for their development."
"Chores shouldn't really be used as a punishment and thinking of them as such can mean parents feel guilty. If everyone in the household completes chores then it is modelling what it means to be part of a family or community, where everyone contributes."
Rewards and Expectations: Finding the Right Balance
The research explores how parents motivate children to complete chores. The survey shows that 31% of parents give regular pocket money linked to chores, whilst 29% offer occasional rewards such as treats, screen time or money. However, 17% of parents expect chores to be completed without any rewards or punishments.
Interestingly, many parents view chores as a shared family responsibility with 45% of parents expressing that children should contribute to household tasks simply because they live in the home too.
Building Resilience and Confidence for Life
Barber explains the important long-term benefits of contributing to chores around the home, "Chores play a big role in helping children build resilience and confidence because they provide a sense of accomplishment. When children complete tasks, they see the results of their effort, which boosts self-esteem and teaches perseverance."
"Chores also prepare children for real-life situations where independence is required, such as moving out, sharing a home with others, or managing a job."
"Knowing they can take care of themselves and contribute meaningfully gives them confidence in their abilities."