. World News – UK – Don’t tell the kids, but the housework is good for them . . . all year round

Fullerton, CA, USA, Nov. . Feb 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – If the seasonal motivation of kids to join chores makes you wonder how to foster that « vacation spirit » year round, you’re in luck.

What you do now to reinforce and encourage such behavior will set the tone for the months to come. Yes, even in a pandemic, says Lucia Alcalá, assistant professor of psychology at Cal State Fullerton and empathetic mother of three.

Alcalá studied how Mayan children from Yucatan, Mexico, are learning to help their families and their community by observing and participating in housework as soon as they can walk. Tasks become second nature and autonomous acts – something the children do without being instructed or supervised. In contrast, her study of European-American children in some California middle-class homes is found to be more likely to have rewards or consequences associated with chores. Some mothers admitted that they did not believe that young children would be able to help without being asked.

« When children integrate, they feel like they belong to a group, » she says. “The holidays are also a time of year when you want to feel part of the group. If we can cultivate a sense of belonging to the community and family, and develop a sense of responsibility and collaboration that extends beyond just doing tasks, we can potentially nurture those efforts and support their helpfulness year round. ”

Tasks enable children to develop initiative and to be cooperative and responsible. The work doesn’t have to be tied to allowances or hours of money, she says. When children and their contributions are valued, children are more likely to develop a sense of responsibility and self-esteem.

Alcalá grew up in a small town in southern Mexico, where it was normal for children to do essential help with housework. She saw a different picture when she immigrated to California at 14. She sees her work as part of a new line of research that focuses on children’s marginalized voices and experiences with color. The Spencer Foundation recently awarded her a nearly 50 scholarship. $ 000 to expand research in this area.

Her ongoing research focuses on how the forced changes from the pandemic are affecting households in the same Mayan city in Mexico and middle-class white houses in California.

About Cal State Fullerton: Cal State Fullerton is the CSU’s largest university and the only campus in Orange County. It offers 110 courses and division 1 athletics. CSUF is recognized as a national model for supporting student success and is characterized by innovative, impactful educational practices, including collaborative research between faculty and students, study abroad and competitive internships. Our lively and diverse campus is a main driver for the workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first generation and underrepresented students, preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Visit Fullerton. edu.

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