🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #60
Should children be given household chores? From what age?
Yes; chores suited to their age build responsibility, and the sunnah shows that housework does not lower one's dignity.
ʿAisha r.a. related that the Prophet ﷺ kept busy helping his family at home until the time for prayer came (Sahih al-Bukhari 676). If the Prophet ﷺ did so, boys and girls alike should learn. Examples by age: two to three, putting toys away; four to five, arranging shoes and helping water plants; six to eight, making the bed and setting the table; nine and above, folding clothes, washing dishes and sweeping; teenagers, cooking a simple meal and managing their own clothes. Show them how first, accept results that are not yet perfect, and praise the effort. Avoid using chores as a punishment. See Educating the family.
ʿAisha r.a. related that the Prophet ﷺ kept busy helping his family at home until the time for prayer came (Sahih al-Bukhari 676). If the Prophet ﷺ did so, boys and girls alike should learn. Examples by age: two to three, putting toys away; four to five, arranging shoes and helping water plants; six to eight, making the bed and setting the table; nine and above, folding clothes, washing dishes and sweeping; teenagers, cooking a simple meal and managing their own clothes. Show them how first, accept results that are not yet perfect, and praise the effort. Avoid using chores as a punishment. See Educating the family.
Sources
Sahih al-Bukhari 676Sahih al-Bukhari 893Sahih al-Bukhari 2072