Want Your Kids to Win at Life? Hand Them a Broom
Forget the fancy tutors and the elite soccer camps for a second. If you want to raise a child who grows up to be a happy, successful professional, the secret might be sitting right in your utility closet.
Do your kids do chores?
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 8, 2026
An 85-year ongoing study conducted by Harvard researchers has found a strong connection between doing chores and later professional success and happiness.pic.twitter.com/fKwBy6CV71
New insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest-running study of human happiness in history—suggest that one of the best predictors of adult success is something most kids try to avoid: chores.
The “Can-Do” Connection
For 85 years, Harvard researchers have tracked the lives of hundreds of men (and now their families), monitoring everything from their physical health to their career trajectories. One of the most striking takeaways is the link between childhood responsibilities and professional “grit.”
When children are tasked with taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher, they learn a fundamental lesson: life requires work, and they are the ones capable of doing it. This “can-do” mindset doesn’t just stay in the kitchen. It follows them into the boardroom. Researchers found that those who started chores at an early age were more likely to be self-reliant and collaborative in their adult careers. They don’t wait to be told what to do; they see a problem and fix it.
Happiness Beyond the Paycheck
It isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. The study, led by directors like Dr. Robert Waldinger and previously George Vaillant, emphasizes that early participation in housework fosters a sense of being part of something bigger than oneself.
By contributing to the household, children develop a sense of “generativity”—the ability to contribute to the well-being of others. This mindset is a core pillar of long-term happiness. Instead of growing up with a sense of entitlement, these children grow into adults who understand that effort leads to reward and that helping others is the ultimate key to a fulfilling life.
The Bottom Line
In a world obsessed with standardized testing, we often overlook the character-building power of the “to-do” list. While it might be faster for you to sweep the floor yourself, you’re doing your kids a favor by handing over the broom. You aren’t just cleaning the house; you’re building a foundation for their future happiness.
References
Harvard Study of Adult Development. (n.d.). https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/