benefits of doing house chores

Benefits of Doing Chores

1. chores provide children with a purpose.

Children develop a sense of ownership when they have jobs to do around the house and it makes them feel like they are an important member of the household. Children like to feel important and this helps to build their self-esteem.

2. Chores teach children about delayed gratification

If you want to, you could reward any chores that your child completes with an allowance. This could be a special treat at the end of the week if all chores have been completed. Ultimately, any reward system will help your child to learn about delayed gratification. This is an important concept to teach since we live in a world full of immediate gratification.

3. Chores help to improve motor skills

There are plenty of things that children can do around the house which will help to develop their gross and fine motor skills. For example, children can help in the kitchen by drying dishes or measuring out ingredients when cooking. They can help to sweep or dust the house. Children can also help in the garden by pulling up weeds or raking up dead leaves.

4. Chores teach self-discipline

In life, there are lots of things that we don’t enjoy doing but we still have to do them. Everyone needs to be able to participate in aspects of life that they may not enjoy such a school, a relationship or work. To succeed in many areas of life, self-discipline is crucial.

5. Chores help you to learn about working with others

If your young child has siblings then get all of your children to work together on completing a task. If your child doesn’t have any siblings then get them to complete chores with you. When working with other children have to learn how to compromise and decide who completes which task. This helps them to become flexible and understand different roles.

6. Chores influence success as adults

A study was conducted which highlighted that a child success as an adult can be related to whether or not he or she helped with household chores at the young age of 3 or 4 years. The study revealed that these children grow up to have good relationships and were less likely to use drugs, as well as many other benefits. When you provide a child with a job to do, their confidence in their abilities to complete a task grows. If you consider an early year setting such as a daycare center, you will see how enthusiastic young children are when it comes to cleaning, helping to maintain the garden or getting involved with cooking and baking. Quite often we think it’s convenient to just do the chores ourselves, as this means the job will get done correctly and efficiently. However, this means we are missing out on important opportunities which help to improve our children’s confidence as well as many other vital traits.

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7 Important reasons why kids should have chores

Published on Mon Oct 4 2021 in Family

Chores: Few of us enjoy doing them, but for a household to run smoothly these tedious and time-consuming tasks must get done. It’s a given that the adults will do their part around the house, but when it comes to assigning housework to children, there’s some debate.

Many parents want to preserve childhood for as long as possible, letting the “kids be kids” and enjoy plenty of playtime while they’re still young. Others may see children as less capable, preferring to finish the housework as quickly and efficiently as possible. These arguments make sense, but they also overlook the many positive benefits of giving kids chores.

Consider these seven reasons why children should help out around the house:

1. Chores help teach life skills. They’re young now, but they won’t be kids forever! Laundry, cooking and budgeting are just some of the skills your kids will need once they finally move out. These are also things that schools do not fully teach, making learning them at home even more important.

2. Chores help kids learn responsibility and self-reliance. Assigning children regular chores helps teach them responsibility. Tasks that personally affect your kids, such as cleaning their room or doing their own laundry, can help them become more self-reliant at the same time. Your kids or grandkids may also take pride in being considered mature enough to take care of themselves.

3. Chores help teach teamwork. Being a productive member of a team can be modelled for children through housework. Members of your family “team” are accountable to each other, and there are consequences when you don’t meet each other’s expectations. Learning these lessons at home, where mistakes are more easily forgiven, can help kids develop strong teamwork skills to use at school or work.

4. Chores help reinforce respect. It takes moving away from home for most of us to fully appreciate all the hard work our parents did around the house. Our children are likely no different, but assigning them chores may help this insight come a little quicker. Kids may become more aware of the messes they make if they’re tasked with cleaning up around the house, and more respectful of the work that goes into maintaining a home.

5. Chores help build a strong work ethic. This trait is valued by teachers and bosses, so why not instill a work ethic in your kids from a young age? Chores are commonly tied to a reward, such as an allowance or TV time. Paying children for a job well done can also spark an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring them to work outside the house once they reach their teens.

6. Chores help improve planning and time management skills. It feels like there are a million things to do in the day, and fitting it all into our diaries is a challenge! Chores can help older kids and teens build good habits early. Juggling schoolwork deadlines, housework and their social lives helps them learn to set priorities and manage their time, important skills for the working world.

7. Chores give families a chance to bond. People often lament that chores take up time they could be spending with their kids or grandkids. But chores can actually create special moments between children and adults. Little ones who always want to help will feel important and receive a self-esteem boost, and moody teens may decide to open up over a shared task.

Looking to cross "getting life insurance" off your chores list? Contact Momentum Life for your no-obligation quote . 

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Household chores: good for children, good for your family

Children can learn a lot from doing household chores.

Doing chores helps children learn about what they need to do to care for themselves, a home and a family. They  learn skills they can use in their adult lives, like preparing meals, cleaning, organising and gardening.

Being involved in chores also gives children  experience of relationship skills like communicating clearly, negotiating, cooperating and working as a team.

And when children contribute to family life, they might feel competent and responsible . Even if they don’t enjoy the chore, when they keep going they can feel satisfied that they’ve finished the task.

And sharing housework can also  help families work better and reduce family stress. When children help out, chores get done sooner, and parents have less to do. This frees up time for the family to do fun things together.

How to get children involved in chores

It’s best to start by choosing chores that work for children’s ages and abilities. Chores that are too hard can be frustrating – or even dangerous – and chores that are too easy might be boring.

Even young children can help with chores if you choose activities that are right for their age. You can start with simple jobs like packing up toys. Chores like this send the message that your child’s contribution is important.

It’s also important to think about chores or tasks that get your child involved in caring for the family as a whole. A simple one is getting your child to help with setting or clearing the table. Jobs like these are likely to give your child a sense of responsibility and participation.

If your child is old enough, you can have a family discussion about chores . This can reinforce the idea that the whole family contributes to how the household runs. Children over 6 years old can have a say in which chores they do.

You can  motivate your child to get involved in chores by:

• doing the chore together until your child can do it on their own
• being clear about each person’s chores for the day or week – write them down so they’re easy to remember
• talking about why it’s great that a particular job has been done
• showing an interest in how your child has done the job
• praising positive behaviour like doing chores without being asked
• using a  reward chart when you introduce a new chore.

Plenty of encouragement keeps children interested in helping. You can boost your child’s chances of success by explaining the job and telling your child they’re doing well. It’s also a good idea to thank your child for their contribution. This models gratitude and helps your child feel valued.

Pocket money for children’s chores

Some children are motivated to do chores for pocket money. But some families believe all family members have a responsibility to help, so they don’t give pocket money for chores.

If you decide to pay pocket money for chores, explain chores clearly and make sure the chores are regular, so there’s no confusion or bargaining about what needs to be done and when. For example, tell your child that tidying up their bedroom involves making their bed and putting their clothes away, and they need to do this each day.

Some families don’t link chores to pocket money but might pay extra pocket money for extra chores.

Chores for children of different ages

Here are ideas for chores for children of different ages.

Toddlers (2-3 years)

• Help to tidy up toys after playtime.
• Help to put laundry in the washing machine.
• Help to fill a pet’s water bowl.

Preschoolers (4-5 years)

• Set the table for meals.
• Help to prepare meals, under supervision.
• Help to put clean clothes into piles for each family member, ready to fold.
• Help to do the grocery shopping and put away groceries.

School-age children and pre-teens (6-11 years)

• Water the garden and indoor plants.
• Help to hang out clothes and fold washing.
• Take out rubbish.
• Help to choose meals and do the shopping.
• Help to prepare and serve meals, under supervision.
• Vacuum or sweep floors.
• Clean the bathroom sink, wipe down kitchen benches, or mop floors.
• Empty the dishwasher.

Teenagers (12-18 years) Teenagers can do the chores they did when they were younger, but they can be responsible for doing them on their own.

Teenagers can also take on more difficult chores. For example, teenagers could do the washing, clean the bathroom and toilet, mow lawns, stack the dishwasher, do basic grocery shopping, or cook a simple family meal once a week.

When choosing chores for teenagers, think of the skills you’d like them to learn.

You can keep children motivated by letting them change jobs from time to time. This is also a way of rotating chores fairly among family members.

How housework can improve our mental and physical health

Some experts argue that doing the household chores could contribute to healthy ageing. Image:  UNSPLASH/Annie Spratt

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Wonderful benefits of assigning household chores to your children

When assigning chores, parents need to choose the chores suitable for the children’s age, ability and willingness to complete given tasks. Children who are assigned to household chores in accordance with their abilities from an early age will contribute as a part of the family, thus understanding that helping other family members is a good thing. This helps them build self-esteem and recognize that their contribution is meaningful and important.

1. Why do children need to be taught to do household chores from early childhood?

When taught to do household chores, the children will be encouraged to:

• Promote independence, sense of responsibility, organizational skills and better time management.
• Build self-esteem and confidence in their abilities, especially when the children complete their tasks and are recognized and encouraged by their parents.

Feel like a part of the family and understand that it is a good thing to help other family members, and that making small contributions is meaningful and important.

Children who are assigned household chores in accordance with their ability at an early age tend to show more positive social behaviour, have more satisfaction in their lives and have better relationships with others. The child will also understand that household chores are not the work of just one person, or just the work of women, but the shared responsibilities and contributions of all members of the family.

2. Choose a chore that is appropriate for the child’s age

Parents need to choose an age-appropriate household chore, given each child’s ability and readiness. This is extremely important and worth noting. If given excessive or complicated tasks, the child will quickly give up, get bored, or may even get upset and stressed.

Suggestions of chores for children under 3:

Children under the age of 3 would love to help their parents with household chores, but of course, the things they can do are very limited. Parents also need to devote time and patience to guide their children step by step. It is important at this age to form the first positive habits to be a stepping stone for the future.

• Simple household chores: Children can participate in household chores from the time they begin to understand and follow adult guidance. For example, children aged 1-2 may follow “One Step Instructions” such as “Put the toys in the basket.” Parents can model and ask their children to do tasks such as:
• Tidy up the toys and put them in the boxes
• Take their dishes to the sink after they finish their meal
• Gather their clothes into the laundry basket
• Wiping skills: Children under 3 years of age are in the process of developing gross motor skills and fine motor skills, so household chores with wiping skills will help them practice both of these skills. Parents can teach their children to wipe down hard surfaces such as doors, tables, chairs, and toys. Parents also need to teach children to understand that we don’t use the same towel to clean different areas. For example, a table towel is not used to clean the toilet, or a napkin is not used to clean the table.
• Clothes sorting skills: Children under 3 years of age can start learning about sorting. Clothes sorting not only helps children build their thinking skills and identify colours, but can also become a game for them. So after you pull out your dry clothes, or clear your winter wardrobe, you can instruct your kids to sort their clothes by colour or sort out their personal belongings.

Suggestions of household chores for children over 3 years old

Children of this age are able to follow “3 Step Directions”, such as “Take your cup, pour in extra water, then put it in the sink.” Children are often eager to help their parents, especially with their favourite things to do, to show that they are “grown-up”. At this age, depending on their abilities and interests, there are many basic household chores that they can do without constant supervision. We can offer challenges such as “Let’s see who will fill this toy box faster, who can clear this dirt first!” or “Let’s play your favourite song and try to sing along while cleaning up!”

• Bed arrangement: Although making a bed can be a little difficult for preschoolers, you can help them fold their little blanket, place a pillow neatly, or remove the pillowcase for example. This is also an interesting task to help children remember that keeping the bed clean and tidy will give the children good sleep.
• Developing cleaning skills: Children over 3 years old need constant instruction to develop skills on basic household chores such as packing, tidying up toys, cleaning dishes and cleaning tables. They are also able to fold and put clothes in their backpack or in the closet. In addition, parents can start teaching their children to water plants, pluck weeds in the garden, sweep the house, clean the house, or feed their pets

3. What to do if the child is not yet interested in working at home?

The first thing that interests children is the support of parents when working with them, especially the timely recognition, encouragement, and praise every time they complete the assigned chore. If a child appears to be slightly stubborn and resisting, instead of nagging, parents can give rewards or “privileges,” every time he or she completes the task.

If children are not comfortable with cleaning, this is also an opportunity for parents to teach them that “If you play/study/eat with more tidiness, cleaning will also happen more quickly.” At the same time, this is also an opportunity to teach your child that “We need to take care of what is ours. For example, our family has this house, so we need to take care of it. It’s the same with your toys, books, and tools.”

In addition, parents can make chores a game, work together while playing or singing, or use interesting tools such as the “Sticker Chore Chart” – Housework Sticker Board.

4. “Sticker Chore Chart”

A lot of parents have shared that the “Sticker Chore Chart” is a useful tool to introduce children to chores, at the same time serving as visual reminder to children about their contribution to the family. Children will be more interested in pictures than words, so parents can use this table to attach pictures to household chores. In particular, parents should use sticker awards on the board so that children have more motivation. For example, for every completed job, they will receive a sticker, and convert the collected stickers into small rewards just for them.

Here is a “Chore Chart” template that parents can refer to for their children:

Educating children to work at home is one of the important skills that parents need to teach their children at preschool age, helping them have important and basic life skills needed throughout their lives. Doing household chores will help foster healthy independence and hard work in children, which are also essential qualities to help children succeed in the future. Household chores can sometimes be a small task, but for the children, it can be a big one. Therefore, no matter how parents approach this education, patience, understanding and recognition are the prerequisites for children to grow in these skills.

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5 Benefits Of Doing Household Chores For A Child

Benefits of doing household chores for a child.

Why should kids do chores? This article will describe several benefits of doing household chores for a child.

I’m pretty sure most parents out there are worried that their children are spending too much time on the screen ? during this MCO period. Some children probably do not have a proper routine now as school semester has ended and there are no more online classes.

So what sort of beneficial activities shall we make them do at home?

Do HOUSEHOLD CHORES!   ? ?

By doing house chores together such as putting the clothes in the basket ? , watering the plants  ?  and feeding a pet  ? , you are actually not ‘punishing’ them but HELPING with their EMOTIONAL development.

Toddlers are fascinated with housework and love to imitate them as early as 18 months old .

So how does doing household chores BENEFIT a child? Here are 5 benefits of doing household chores for a child that all parents should know about:

✅   Builds their self esteem

– By doing house chores, it encourages independence and usually they will feel satisfied after completing the task. It makes them feel important. Once a task has been completed, remember to praise their effort even though you may not seem very ‘happy’ with the result.  ?

✅   Emphasizes the value of keeping things clean and organized

– By encouraging them to do simple tasks like keeping their toys back into the box, will instil good habits and sense of responsibility. After all, a cluttered home can bring a cluttered mind.

✅   Sets a routine of helping around the house

– If a child is used to cleaning up the house, hopefully, this will create a good habit that will be practised into their teen years and beyond.

✅   Teaches teamwork

When assigned to a certain task, a child will feel that he/she is a part of the family as he/she is able to help. Principles such as accountability and time management can also be taught when a task is assigned.

✅   A chance for bonding

By doing simple tasks, it can create special memories between a parent and a child.

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Doing Household Chores Can Help Your Brain Stay Younger and Healthier for Longer, Study Suggests

Canadian researchers found positive associations between routine housework and increased brain fitness in older adults.

Maggie Seaver is the digital health and wellness editor at Real Simple, with seven years of experience writing lifestyle and wellness content. She spends her days writing and editing stories about sleep, mental health, fitness, preventive health, nutrition, personal development, relationships, healthy habits, and beyond. She loves demystifying complicated health topics, debunking wellness fads, and sharing practical, science-backed solutions for healthy living.

It's long been known that engaging in routine physical activity is extremely important for promoting brain health and longevity. Whether through recreational activities (a family bike ride) or formal vigorous exercise (a 45-minute Peloton HIIT ride), we know that movement is a powerful way to keep the brain sharp, "young," and clear —both in the short and long term. But what about other forms of daily physical exertion that aren't typically considered "exercise" or categorize as recreational? Do house- and yard-work offer similar brain-boosting effects to a brisk walk or backyard game of tag with the kids?

A study published in February 2021 in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that performing routine household chores—like gardening, vacuuming, sweeping, doing laundry, and reorganizing the winter coat closet—had positive associations with both brain volume and cognition in older adults.

Researchers with the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital in Ontario, Canada, set out to see whether household physical activity had any healthy influences on brain volume and cognition by studying a group of 66 cognitively unimpaired older adults. The adults underwent health and cognitive evaluations, structural brain imaging, and a physical activity assessment. Then researchers also measured their brain volume, gray matter volume, and white matter volume, assessing four main cognitive functions: memory, working memory/attention, processing speed, and executive function. As Baycrest shared in a statement, the researchers found that the adults who spent more time doing odd jobs and housework chores (like cleaning, meal prep, and yard work) had greater brain volume, regardless of how much they exercised. (The greater the brain volume, the healthier and "younger" the brain!)

"Scientists already know that exercise has a positive impact on the brain, but our study is the first to show that the same may be true for household chores," said the lead study author, Noah Koblinsky, an exercise physiologist and project coordinator at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute. "Understanding how different forms of physical activity contribute to brain health is crucial for developing strategies to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults."

The study cites a few possible reasons for the outcome. One, chores by nature get people up and moving, which leads to less time being sedentary —a common and harmful lifestyle habit connected with decreased brain function and wellbeing, particularly as adults age. Two, it's safe to assume that performing manual household tasks, vigorous enough, can result in similar physical exertion to that of low-intensity aerobic exercise (think: walking, light yoga, or low-resistance cycling). And third, the planning and organization involved in household chores may promote the formation of new neural connections over time, even as we age, according to Baycrest. Keeping our existing neurons firing—as well as intentionally introducing new neural pathways —is essential for optimal brain fitness throughout life.

Killgore WDS, Olson EA Weber M. Physical exercise habits correlate with gray matter volume of the hippocampus in healthy adult humans . Sci Rep. 2013;3:3457.

Koblinsky ND, Meusel L-AC, Greenwood CE, Anderson ND. Household physical activity is positively associated with gray matter volume in older adults . BMC Geriatrics . 2021;21:104.

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Doing Household Chores Can Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age—So, Stop Putting Them Off

• Nan Wise, PhD , licensed psychotherapist, cognitive neuroscientist, and certified sex therapist

For the study, which sought to draw links between doing chores and brain health and cognition, 66 cognitively healthy older adults underwent three medical assessments, including a health evaluation, structural brain imaging, and a cognitive assessment. They were also asked how often they spent tidying up their home, meal-prepping, doing housework, yard work, and other to-do list activities.

The conclusion? Those who were 'to-do'-ing more around the home displayed more brain volume in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, which are the brain areas that help with memory, learning, and cognition. So essentially, when you’re performing seemingly mindless chores like, say, scrubbing your table or doing a load of laundry , you actually may be sharpening your brain.

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Of course, the study was limited in terms of its narrow testing and focus on a specifc age group, but it does track that the benefits of doing chores would include brain health. First, the organizational and planning aspect of chores (see: making your to-do list, color-coding the books on in your bookcase, and so on) may promote the formation of new neural connections. Second, chores may also keep you active in a way that's similar to low-intensity aerobic exercise, which can bolster heart health and, subsequently, help brain health, too.

"Lots of movement is the most important brain exercise known to man. So, however we can make the chore into something active can enhance the quality of our brain health." —Nan Wise, PhD, neuroscientist

"If we can be physically active when doing chores, that’s really good for the brain," says neuroscientist  Nan Wise, PhD . "Lots of movement is the most important brain exercise known to man. So, however we can make the chore into something active can enhance the quality of our brain health."

Furthermore, the benefits of doing chores can also extend to relieving stress , since cleaning can promote a sense of control, and organization can help calm down the nervous system. And considering that stress can compromise all facets of wellness , including our cognitive brain health, that’s a major win as well.

Still grimacing at the idea of cleaning your room? I get it—me, too. To help motivate yourself to grow to reap the benefits of doing chores, Dr. Wise suggests adding some creative movement into your routine. For instance, dance while vacuuming or dusting! Listen to music to make it as fun as possible. You can further gamify it however you'd like, too.

"Train your brain while doing chores in the house by changing things up," Dr. Wise suggests as a way to introduce novelty. "Think about how you can be most effective in going about your chores, and then implement some new routines. Do a bit of research about the best methods that you can use for cleaning or doing laundry or balancing your checkbook."

So while it may seem easier to let your water glasses linger in your room or go  just  one more week without Swiffering, it’s equally easy to get down and dirty with your chores...and help your mind stay sparkling for years to come.

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10 Reasons Why Household Chores Are Important

Whether we like it or not, household chores are a necessary part of everyday life, ensuring that our homes continue to run efficiently, and that our living environments remain organized and clean, thereby promoting good overall health and safety. Involving children in household chores gives them opportunity to become active participant in the house. Kids begin to see themselves as important contributors to the family. Holding children accountable for their chores can increase a sense of themselves as responsible and actually make them more responsible.

Children will feel more capable for having met their obligations and completed their tasks. If you let children off the hook for chores because they have too much schoolwork or need to practice a sport, then you are saying, intentionally or not, that their academic or athletic skills are most important. And if your children fail a test or fail to block the winning shot, then they have failed at what you deem to be most important.

They do not have other pillars of competency upon which to rely. By completing household tasks, they may not always be the star student or athlete, but they will know that they can contribute to the family, begin to take care of themselves, and learn skills that they will need as an adult. Here is a list of household chores for kids:

1. Sense of Responsibility

Kids who do chores learn responsibility and gain important life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Kids feel competent when they do their chores. Whether they’re making their bed or they’re sweeping the floor, helping out around the house gives them a sense of accomplishment. Doing daily household chores also helps kids feel like they’re part of the team. Pitching in and helping family members is good for them and it encourages them to be good citizens.

Read here a detail blog: Routine helps kids

2. Beneficial to siblings

It is helpful for siblings of kids who have disabilities to see that everyone in the family participates in keeping the family home running, each with responsibilities that are appropriate for his or her unique skill sets and abilities.

Having responsibilities like chores provides one with a sense of both purpose and accomplishment.

4. Preparation for Employment

Learning how to carry out household chore is an important precursor to employment. Chores can serve as an opportunity to explore what your child excels at and could possibly pursue as a job down the road.

5. Make your life easier

Your kids can actually be of help to you! At first, teaching these chores may require more of your time and energy, but in many cases your child will be able to eventually do his or her chores completely independently, ultimately relieving you of certain responsibilities.

6. Chores may make your child more accountable

If your child realizes the consequences of making a mess, he or she may think twice, knowing that being more tidy in the present will help make chores easier.

7. Develop fine and gross motor skills and planning abilities

Tasks like opening a clothes pin, filling and manipulating a watering can and many more actions are like a workout for the body and brain and provide practical ways to flex those muscles!

8. Teach empathy

Helping others out and making their lives easier is a great way to teach empathy. After your daughter completes a chore, you can praise and thank her, stating, “Wow… great job! Because you helped out, now Mommy has one less job to do. I really appreciate that!”

9. Strengthen bonds with pets

There is a growing body of research about how animals can help individuals with special needs. When your child feeds and cares for his pet, it strengthens their bond and makes your pet more likely to gravitate toward your child.

10. Gain an appreciation and understanding of currency

What better way to teach your child the value of a rupee than by having him earn it. After your child finishes his chores,  pay him right away and immediately take him to his favorite toy store where he can buy something he wants.

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Leave a Comment

(14 Comments)

I love this! This has a lot of awesome information.

Thank you! Glad you like the information.

very well done it is resanoble reasons

cool info it helps me see why chores are important.

Thanks for your kind reply.

This was really helpful for a school debate!

Very helpful article!

My daughter has to speak about a topic which is why and how we should help our parent in household chores and this helped her a lot

Thanks so much for your feedback! All the best to your daughter.

Thnks a lot! the article helped a lot in my assignment and there is very nice information, Thank you!

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

Very nice article…Thank you 🙂

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

Very good article about house chore

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