How Do Chores Help Children with Chronic Conditions?

Do you think asking children with chronic conditions to do chores is beneficial for their development? A recent research study indicated that the answer is yes!

It is not always easy though. When parents raise a child with a disability or chronic condition, they may overestimate limitations associated with their condition or have decreased expectations and restrictions to participate in activities.

What Does the Research Say on Chores and Children with Chronic Conditions?

A recent study published in OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health, that examined the relationship between engagement in household chores, self-management, and health care transition readiness in six to seventeen year old children with chronic conditions (i.e. sickle cell anemia, diabetes, spina bifida, cancer, and chronic kidney disease). The parents and the 165 children completed surveys on chronic illness, chores, self-management and health care transition readiness (ie disease knowledge, taking medicine, communication).

Results of the Survey

Data analysis of the surveys on chores and children with chronic conditions indicated the following:

  • 85% of the participants were reported to do chores at least one time per week.
  • there was a significant association between engagement in household chores among youth with chronic conditions and health care transition readiness.
  • the results suggested that youth who are encouraged to take on greater responsibilities in the home develop skills that help prepare them to transition to adult health care.
  • there was an association between children with chronic conditions who completed any household chores and improvements in communication with their provider.

Conclusion on Chores and Children with Chronic Conditions

Following the survey, the researchers concluded that youths who frequently perform household chores have higher levels of self-management and are more prepared to transition to adult care.

Reference: Richards J, Nazareth M, van Tilburg MAL, et al. Engagement in Household Chores in Youth With Chronic Conditions: Health care Transition Implications [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 24]. OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2020;1539449220928142. doi:10.1177/1539449220928142

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Do you think asking children with chronic conditions to do chores is beneficial for their development? A recent research study indicated that the answer is yes!