More Family Health Boosters

Make A Family Chore Chart And Stick To It

Housework is one of those things that can have a huge impact on relationships between family members. Chores can create many arguments, between parents and children but also between partners. Yet, research shows that children are happier when they feel like they are contributing something valuable to the family by doing chores. Shockingly, other studies show that men are happiest with an equal division of household chores.

It may be sad that such studies are even necessary in the 21^st Century, and women will understand me wondering out loud when science will feel the urge to see if women would be happier doing more housework, but the message is valuable nonetheless. Families are better off if everyone does chores, in accordance with their abilities.

Making a chore chart is a good way to start a new housework routine for the whole family, and it is especially likely to work if each family member has some say in what they prefer to do and when. At the most basic level, creating a chore chart and sticking to it will give you all a cleaner (read: healthier) and more organized home, that you will be able to enjoy more. Everyone will be able to be proud of their contribution as well as more motivated to keep things looking nice.

If you dig deeper, you will also see other benefits. Children will learn how to physically do chores, a skill that will last a lifetime. If parents don't do all the housework, but divide their portion equally among both partners, all family members will have more time to enjoy those sports activities we talked about earlier, and to do other more interesting things. Cleaning your home in a vigorous and energetic manner does give you a workout all by itself, so make the most of it!

Volunteer To Help Others

Not every person enjoys being part of a close family, unfortunately. National Family Month is the ideal time to remember that fact and to give a small part of your family bond to people who don't have that. There are plenty of things you, your partner and your children can do:

• At care homes for the elderly, many senior citizens are lonely. You can help by cooking for them, cleaning their space, and reading or singing to them. Volunteering at an old peoples' home is a two-way street that you and lonely elderly people can enjoy.
• Children living in poverty need your help. You could raise funds to donate through a garage sale, by cleaning cars with your kids, or hosting a fundraising dinner.
• Foster care is one way in which families can offer a safe home to children in need. Respite care is another possibility that doesn't require the same time commitment.
• All families have one thing in common: they rely on the earth to keep them alive and healthy. See what you can do for the environment. Cleaning up the local park, using less energy in your home, and carpooling with other families are all concrete things you can do to contribute to a healthier earth.