What is Chore Therapy? It is a term I coined that means your everyday work can be therapy for your kids! What do I mean? I mean put conscious effort and thought about what you do everyday, and break down the steps that you are doing. For example, if you are cleaning something, like a bathroom, ask yourself, how did I just wash that? Why do I use this tool for this job, but not for that job? Why did I organize things in this way or that way? Did I use multistep directions to complete a task? Did I use language, new vocabulary, etc.
Can you see the HUGE amount of therapy opportunities for all kids? Communication skills, modeling skills, language development, social skills....WOW! The opportunity we have to help our kids seem to be everywhere! Chores: dishes, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning the toilet, shower, or sink, wiping up spills, folding the wash, pulling weeds, cleaning the car, daily pick up, making dinner, and even baking! Think about it, as you are making cookies you can teach them math skills, new vocabulary, reading skills, model for them, show peer modeling. Teaching while in the moment is magical!
Each time I pull out my camera to film one of our everyday chores, Rosie is soooo excited to see herself, and therefore is highly motivated to complete the work. My other children enjoy watching there success as well. When we shift our perspective to think about Chores as Chore Therapy we will be able to help our children learn everyday skills, help them to connect socially, and give them value in the family! Chore Therapy works! It's right at your fingertips!