Kids who do chores are more likely to be successful later in life, study finds.

In an age where parenting advice floods our social feeds and childhood success is often measured by early academic achievement or extracurricular accolades, one humble tool remains consistently underrated: chores. While they may seem like minor, even inconvenient tasks in the rhythm of busy family life, a growing body of research suggests that these everyday responsibilities can have profound, long-term benefits for children. From cognitive development to emotional resilience and a solid work ethic, the act of pitching in at home may do far more than keep the house running smoothly—it may quietly lay the foundation for future success.

Recent findings from La Trobe University, published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, add to this compelling narrative. By examining the relationship between household chores and executive function in children, researchers found that certain types of chores—particularly those involving self-care and care for others—are linked to improved memory, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities. These findings resonate with earlier psychological studies, including the landmark Harvard Grant Study, which identified work ethic as one of the strongest predictors of adult happiness and success.

Chores and the Building Blocks of Success: The Executive Function Connection

A growing body of research suggests that the simple act of doing chores can shape a child’s cognitive development in meaningful ways. Most recently, a study published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal by researchers at La Trobe University found that children who regularly engage in household tasks—specifically self-care chores like preparing their own meals and other-care chores such as cooking for others—show enhanced executive functioning. This refers to a set of cognitive skills essential for learning, problem-solving, and managing one’s own behavior.

The researchers analyzed responses from over 200 parents of children aged 5 to 13, linking chore participation to traits like working memory and inhibition control. These capabilities are not just academic buzzwords; they are foundational skills that help children navigate complex tasks, maintain focus, and regulate emotional responses—skills that predict long-term academic and professional success.

Interestingly, not all chores are created equal. While self-care and other-care tasks were strongly linked to improved executive functioning, pet-care duties—like walking a dog or feeding a cat—did not show a significant correlation. One explanation offered is that pet-related chores might not challenge a child’s cognitive abilities in the same way more structured or multi-step tasks do. Another theory is that kids often find joy and emotional reward in caring for pets, blurring the line between duty and leisure.

This research adds to a compelling narrative that has been taking shape for decades: children who are expected to contribute meaningfully to their households are also more likely to develop critical life skills that serve them well into adulthood. As former Stanford dean and youth development advocate Julie Lythcott-Haims put it in her TED Talk, chores help cultivate a “pitch-in mindset”—a readiness to tackle necessary work, even when it’s not glamorous or gratifying. This mindset, she argues, becomes the foundation for a strong work ethic later in life.

Fostering Responsibility, Autonomy, and Emotional Resilience

Beyond cognitive development, chores play a powerful role in nurturing a child’s emotional and social growth. Several long-standing psychological studies have pointed to the benefits of assigning age-appropriate responsibilities within the home, showing strong links to increased autonomy, higher life satisfaction, and improved self-esteem. When children are entrusted with meaningful tasks, they internalize a sense of capability and usefulness—qualities that help build a sturdy emotional foundation for the challenges of adulthood.

A 2015 report from the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics emphasized that children who engage in regular household duties report feeling more in control of their environment. This sense of agency is key to emotional resilience, particularly as children face the increasing demands of school, social dynamics, and—eventually—professional life. Tasks like packing one’s lunch, tidying a room, or helping prepare family meals reinforce the message: “You are capable, and your contributions matter.” That message often translates into greater self-confidence and a more proactive approach to problem-solving later in life.

Moreover, involving children in chores teaches them that responsibility isn’t something to be avoided, but a natural part of belonging to a community—starting with their own family. In contrast to reward-based systems that offer allowances for chores, many child development experts advocate for a collaborative approach. When chores are positioned not as transactions but as contributions to a shared household, children are more likely to develop intrinsic motivation and a sense of duty toward others. This shift—from “I have to do this” to “I’m helping out”—lays important groundwork for empathy, cooperation, and leadership.

Interestingly, these findings echo the outcomes of the Harvard Grant Study, one of the longest longitudinal studies in history. Researchers found that two key predictors of adult success were love and work ethic—both of which can be nurtured in the simple, everyday routines of home life. Giving children chores may seem like a small act, but over time, it can instill a deep-seated belief that effort matters, that they are contributors—not just consumers—in their world.

The Role of Chores in Developing a Strong Work Ethic

A central takeaway from decades of developmental research is that chores help children develop a work ethic that endures into adulthood. This idea was powerfully reinforced in the Harvard Grant Study, which tracked individuals over decades to identify the root contributors to long-term well-being and success. Alongside strong relationships, the ability and willingness to work hard—often referred to as work ethic—stood out as one of the most consistent predictors of adult satisfaction and achievement.

But how does something as mundane as folding laundry or setting the dinner table lay the groundwork for such a trait? The answer lies in the repeated experience of doing necessary tasks even when they aren’t enjoyable. According to Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Stanford University dean and author of How to Raise an Adult, requiring kids to do chores teaches them “a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-pitch-in mindset.” It conditions them to recognize that contributing to a shared goal sometimes involves discomfort or monotony—and that doing one’s part is simply what responsible individuals do.

This mindset becomes invaluable later in professional settings, where success often depends less on raw intelligence and more on grit, follow-through, and consistency. When children grow up learning that effort is expected, not exceptional, they’re better prepared to navigate jobs, relationships, and long-term goals with persistence and perspective. They’re also less likely to be paralyzed by perfectionism or wait for ideal circumstances before taking initiative.

Furthermore, chores offer a natural framework for learning time management and prioritization. When a child balances homework, play, and a set of daily or weekly responsibilities, they begin to internalize how to allocate effort across different domains of life—a skill that becomes increasingly vital in adolescence and adulthood.

Why Not All Chores Are Equal: Complexity and Engagement Matter

While the overall benefits of chores are well-supported, not all types of chores contribute equally to a child’s cognitive and behavioral development. The La Trobe University study introduced a valuable distinction by separating chores into self-care, other-care, and pet-care categories. It found that while self-care and other-care tasks were linked to stronger executive functioning, pet-care duties didn’t show the same effect.

The difference, researchers suggest, lies in the complexity and challenge posed by the task. Cooking a meal, for instance, requires planning, sequencing steps, measuring ingredients, and staying attentive—all actions that engage working memory and decision-making. In contrast, filling a pet’s water bowl or taking a dog for a walk, while important, tend to be more routine and less cognitively demanding.

There’s also an emotional dimension to consider. For many children, caring for a pet is more joy than obligation. This intrinsic motivation, while beneficial for nurturing empathy and emotional bonding, may not activate the same executive processes involved in less emotionally gratifying chores. As a result, pet care—while still worthwhile—may not be the optimal activity for developing self-regulation or problem-solving skills.

This insight has practical implications for parents and caregivers. It suggests that the value of chores isn’t just in completing them, but in the types of challenges they present. Encouraging kids to take on tasks that involve multi-step planning or require them to consider the needs of others (like setting the table or preparing lunch for a sibling) may offer richer developmental rewards than those that are more automatic or emotionally driven.

A Call to Action: Reframing Chores as a Tool for Lifelong Growth

In a culture where childhood is increasingly shaped by performance metrics—test scores, extracurricular achievements, social media milestones—it’s easy to overlook the formative power of everyday responsibilities. Yet, the evidence is clear: chores are not just a domestic necessity, but a developmental opportunity. They shape character, sharpen cognition, and cultivate a sense of agency that no enrichment program or screen-based learning app can replicate.

For parents, caregivers, and educators, the takeaway is not to overload children with tasks, but to integrate meaningful, age-appropriate responsibilities into their daily lives. Start small. Invite them to help prepare dinner once a week. Ask them to organize their backpacks the night before school. Let them take ownership of cleaning their shared spaces. These acts, while simple, send a powerful message: you are capable, your contribution is valuable, and learning happens just as much at the kitchen sink as in the classroom.

Most importantly, let’s resist the urge to “rescue” children from discomfort or delay. When we do everything for them, we inadvertently deny them the chance to experience competence, resilience, and independence. A clean room may not win a trophy, but the self-discipline it fosters could help a child thrive in college, succeed at work, or lead with integrity one day.