Why Helping at Home Supports Regulation, Focus and Lifelong Skills

Long-term research continues to show that one of the strongest predictors of adult success isn’t intelligence or talent—it’s early responsibility at home.

A 75-year Harvard study that followed individuals from childhood into adulthood found that children who regularly helped with household chores were more likely to develop stable careers, healthier relationships, and stronger emotional well-being later in life. These simple, everyday responsibilities supported the development of accountability, persistence, and confidence through consistent practice.

From a sensory and nervous system perspective, helping at home provides meaningful, regulating input. Carrying laundry, wiping a table, sorting utensils, or putting away groceries offers proprioceptive feedback that helps organize the body and calm the nervous system. When children engage in purposeful tasks, their brains receive repeated signals that effort leads to completion—supporting regulation, body awareness, and emotional stability.

Chores also naturally build executive functioning skills. Following steps, sustaining attention, transitioning between tasks, and completing an activity from start to finish all strengthen planning, working memory, and self-monitoring. Over time, these experiences help children develop internal organization and resilience, especially during moments of challenge or stress.

Parents can support this development by involving children in age-appropriate responsibilities without focusing on perfection. Simple tasks like setting the table, tidying toys, feeding pets, or helping with meal preparation create predictable routines and clear expectations. These moments teach children that they are capable, trusted, and an important part of their environment. When responsibility is paired with support, the nervous system learns safety, competence, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond childhood.

Type CHORE LIST in the subject line and submit the form below for a free download of developmentally appropriate chores for your child- listed by age! Click “sign up for updates” and add presenceot@gmail.com to your contacts, to ensure your download gets delivered!