Parent Coach for Moms of Teens: Fern Weis
If you’ve ever questioned the real benefits of chores for teens, the truth is that ordinary tasks like laundry or groceries can do more for self-esteem than grades alone.
A mom once told me her 13-year-old son didn’t help at all around the house. “He just needs to focus on school and getting good grades,” she said. “I handle everything else.”
That one statement revealed a lot about the challenges in their home. Without realizing it, she had set up a dynamic where her son’s only responsibility was himself—and where the message was that the world revolved around him.
Sure, grades matter. But they aren’t the sole foundation for self-esteem, confidence, or success later in life.
The Benefits Of Chores For Teens Go Beyond Grades:
High self-esteem can grow from achievements in academics, sports, or the arts. But equally important, sometimes more important, are the everyday, unglamorous tasks that make a household run. These moments teach kids that their contributions matter, both to themselves and to the family.
Think about it: mowing the lawn, scrubbing a toilet, loading the dishwasher, organizing a closet, doing laundry, putting away groceries, dusting shelves, changing bed sheets.
These are more than “chores.” They’re life skills and quiet confidence-builders. (Yes—cleaning the toilet can boost confidence when it’s part of a bigger pattern of responsibility!)
For Teens To Reap The Benefits Of Chores, Let Go of Perfect:
Before you start, you need to release your inner perfectionist. Could you fold the towels faster and neater? Absolutely. But this is your child’s learning space, so sit on your hands and keep your feedback to a minimum.
If the bed looks lumpy, so what? A few missed spots while dusting? Not a crisis. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
By letting your kids do the work, you:
- Lighten your own load.
- Equip them for life beyond your home.
- Help them experience competence in a hands-on way.
The Powerful Benefits Of Chores For Teens (Even When They Complain):
They may roll their eyes or groan, but there’s value in the process:
- They learn essential life skills.
- You get much-needed help.
- Everyone in the family contributes.
- They see themselves as part of something bigger.
- They learn that not everything is fun—but it’s still necessary.
- They gain stories to tell about the “gross” stuff.
- They feel that little burst of satisfaction when the job is done.
- One day, they’ll probably pass this lesson to their kids.
Lasting Benefits Of Chores For Teens–Confidence For Life:
Your to-do list is ready. The only question is: Who’s on your cleaning crew today? Giving your teen responsibility for everyday tasks isn’t just about lightening your load; it’s about teaching them how to show up in the world. Chores connect effort with outcome, build resilience through practice, and remind your teen that their contributions matter. Over time, those small wins create a sense of competence and belonging that no grade or trophy can replace. That’s the real payoff—the lasting benefits of chores for teens that carry into adulthood.
And if you’re looking for more ways to guide your teen with confidence, check out Fern Weis’s bio below. As a Parent Coach for Moms of Teens, she offers practical tools to help you turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.
Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.
About the Author:
Fern Weis is a Parent Empowerment Coach for Moms of Teens and a Family Recovery Coach. She’s also a wife, former middle school teacher, and the parent of two adult children who taught her more about herself than she ever could have imagined.
Fern partners with moms of teens and young adults, privately and in groups. She helps them grow their confidence to build strong relationships and emotionally healthier kids who become successful adults.
She knows first-hand that when parents do the work, the possibilities for change are limitless; that it’s never too late to start; and you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about Fern at www.fernweis.com. Schedule your complimentary Parent Support Call at https://calendly.com/talktofern/discovery-call. Ready for support? Apply for a complimentary 30-minute Parent Discovery Call at https://calendly.com/talktofern/discovery-call.
