A Mother's/Father's Day Gift That Will Last: The Family Chore Project
Teaching Children Responsibility Through the Family Chores Project
Feeling stuck thinking of a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day this year? Here are some great ideas to take the pressure off children or the other parent to come up with the perfect gift. Instead of heading to the mall to spend too much money on a present that Mom or Dad may not even want, children and teens can offer to relieve their parents’ burden of responsibilities by taking on some of their household chores.
Celebrate incredible moms and dads this year in a unique way. Parents give so much of themselves every day. While flowers, chocolates, ties, tools, and homemade cards are always appreciated, this year, why not give a gift that truly lasts? Enter the Family Chores Project — a heartfelt way for children and teens to show their love by taking on some of their parents’ daily responsibilities.
Giving Mom or Dad a break from routine chores costs the child or teen only the sweat of a little hard work, which helps build responsibility, character, and family productivity. And the parent will remember the gesture for years to come. We know this gift will be a big hit with parents for sure!
The Family Chores Project: A Gift of Time and Effort
Rather than buying a last-minute gift, encourage children and teens to offer their time and effort as a way to express appreciation. The Family Chores Project is simple:
Kids choose a few of Mom’s or Dad's regular tasks and take them over for a set period.
They commit to doing the chores well and without being reminded.
The whole family gets involved, ensuring that Mom or Dad gets a real break, not just for the day, but potentially as a new family habit!
Why This Gift Matters
Beyond giving Mom or Dad a much-needed break, the Family Chores Project teaches children and teens:
Responsibility: Children and teens learn what it takes to run a household.
Empathy: They gain a deeper appreciation for all that Mom and Dad do for them.
Financial Awareness: They see the value of work and effort, reinforcing the connection between chores and earning money.
How to Get Started
The National Financial Educators Council has provided resources to help you choose the chores based on age appropriateness, along with a letter the child or teen can personalize to their parent for the special day. Access this valuable resource here: The Family Chore Project.
After you have reviewed the list of chores for the correct age of the child, follow these easy steps for a Mother's or Father's Day gift to remember:
Make a Chore List – Have a family meeting and create a list of tasks Mom or Dad usually handles (e.g., laundry, meal prep, grocery shopping, tidying up, gardening).
Assign Tasks – Let each child choose a few chores they feel comfortable handling that is appropriate for their age and skill level.
Write a Letter to the Parent - Personalize the template provided in the resource above and give to your parent as your gift.
Set a Timeframe – Decide whether this is a one-day, week-long, or ongoing effort.
Create a Fun Tracking System – Use a printable Chore Chart or a reward system (not necessarily monetary) to keep kids motivated.
Reflect and Adjust – At the end of the project, discuss what worked well and consider making permanent changes in how the household shares responsibilities.
Extend the Lesson: Connect Chores to Financial Literacy
For an added financial literacy lesson, introduce a "Chore and Earn" system where kids can:
Earn small amounts of money for additional tasks beyond their normal responsibilities.
Learn to divide earnings into spending, saving, and giving categories.
Understand that work has value and that managing money wisely is a lifelong skill.
A Mother’s or Father's Day Gift That Keeps on Giving
The beauty of the Family Chores Project is that it doesn’t just benefit Mom and Dad for a day—it fosters lifelong skills in children and teens while encouraging a culture of shared responsibility at home. This Mother’s or Father's Day, consider giving the gift of time, effort, and appreciation. After all, a well-run home is a family effort, and even the smallest hands can make a big difference.
Ready to Start? Make sure to review the National Financial Educators Council resource on their website - Family Chore Project.
Download our free Family Chores Tracker Worksheet to help your children and teens organize their tasks and make this Mother’s/Father's Day truly special!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d-PSQHvJBNOXC0hMZl7X691Rwy3NRt2d/view?usp=sharing
How will your family celebrate Mom and Dad this year? Share your Family Chores Project experiences in the comments!
Resource: National Financial Educators Council
Smart Money Changes Everything is a financial education blog and website. The information presented in this post is solely for your general financial education and is not to be considered financial advice. Always check with your trusted financial professionals who will consider your unique situation and goals to develop your personalized comprehensive pla
