In our home, chores aren’t about control or checking boxes—they’re about cultivating responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of purpose. We believe every member of the family, no matter how small, has an important role to play in making our home a place of peace and order.
Our daughter Lucy is still young, but her contributions already matter. She sets the table each evening—complete with napkins, silverware, and a little flair when she’s feeling creative. She knows how to sort and manage her laundry from washer to dryer and helps fold her clothes with surprising focus. Every morning, she makes her bed, and every night, she lays out her clothes for the day ahead. She’s also our little garden helper, always eager to weed, water, and tend the growing things.
But what’s most beautiful is how she does it—with joy. Not because it’s demanded or rewarded, but because she sees her place in our family. She knows her work matters. She knows she’s part of something bigger.
And here’s something unexpected: chores help children see just how much parents do to keep a home running. When Lucy carries her own laundry, she becomes more aware of the time and effort it takes to care for others. When she helps with the garden or dinner prep, she gains a deeper appreciation for the daily, often unseen work that makes life feel safe and smooth. It’s not guilt—it’s gratitude. And that kind of awareness is a gift in itself.
In my book Raising Light, I talk about how building a home takes more than love—it takes participation. When children are invited into that work, they grow in confidence, competence, and connection. They don’t just learn to clean—they learn they’re capable. They don’t just follow directions—they discover their value.
We don’t expect perfection, and we don’t make chores a battleground. Instead, we model a mindset that says, “We’re a team. We all pitch in. And we’re proud of what we build together.”
It’s not about raising kids who are busy—it’s about raising kids who are anchored.
And that anchor begins with the small, simple habits that shape a servant’s heart, a willing spirit, and a lifelong sense of belonging.
Raising Light 