Kids Doing Chores Will Strengthen Their Adult Lives (and Here’s Why)

Teaching kids to do age-appropriate chores might feel like a daily battle over clean rooms and emptied dishwashers — but research shows it’s one of the most impactful things you can do for their future success and well-being.

While most parents focus on education and extracurriculars, regular contributions to household tasks play a powerful long-term role in shaping who children become as adults. This isn’t just a parenting cliché — it’s backed by decades of research and expert commentary.

1. Chores Build Responsibility, Work Ethic & Life Skills

Children who consistently do chores learn early that their actions matter. This builds responsibility and a strong work ethic — two traits closely linked to success in adult life.

A Psychology Today article highlights research showing that children with consistent chores have better academic performance and higher life satisfaction than peers without them.
Tasks as simple as making their bed or helping with dinner teach them self-management and follow-through — skills employers value in adulthood.

2. Longitudinal Research Connects Chores to Adult Success

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence comes from long-term studies.

A Harvard study tracking participants over 86 years found that children with chores develop better teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose — qualities strongly linked with adult achievement and happiness.

This shows that positive habits formed through childhood chores don’t just temporarily improve behaviour — they echo into adulthood.

3. Chores Improve Relationships and Empathy

Responsible adults aren’t just organized — many are great partners, parents, and team players.

Research summaries report chores help children develop empathy, social awareness, and emotional intelligence, because they learn to contribute to a family team rather than only themselves.
University Hospitals notes that adults who grew up doing chores report stronger relationships and higher life satisfaction, in part from built-in empathy and collaboration skills.

This suggests that participation in shared household roles fosters people who care about others — a cornerstone of healthy adult relationships.

4. Better Executive Function and Self-Confidence

Executive functions — like planning, impulse control, and working memory — are critical for success in school, work, and life.

Developmental studies find that chores help children improve these exact cognitive skills, because they must plan tasks, follow steps, and persist until they’re done.
This translates to better decision-making and self-confidence as adults, empowering them to handle complex responsibilities and navigate challenges.

5. Life Satisfaction, Autonomy & Well-Being

Beyond measurable achievements, chores help cultivate a sense of competence — the belief that you can handle life’s demands:

Research finds that children engaged in regular chores grow into adults who feel more capable, secure, and satisfied with life.
Even mental health experts note that mastery over routine tasks can boost self-esteem and emotional resilience.

This is a big deal — contented, capable adults tend to build healthier relationships, better careers, and stronger communities.