Helping Dad With Chores
Liam learns why helping with household chores matters and discovers how his contributions make a real difference to his family. Through a specific Saturday morning scenario, he sees the connection between his actions and the comfort of his home, and learns a coping strategy to manage frustration.
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Read the Story
8 pages · 6 min read read
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Read the Story
8 pages · 6 min read read
It's Saturday morning, and Dad is standing in the living room looking around. The couch has pillows scattered on it, there are toys on the floor, and some books are stacked on the coffee table. Dad sees me and asks, "Liam, can you help me tidy up this morning?"
I feel frustrated because I was hoping to play my space video game this morning. When I feel frustrated, I squeeze my hands into tight fists for 5 seconds, then slowly open my fingers and let the tension go. This helps my body feel calmer. Dad explains, "When we tidy up together, it takes much less time, and our home feels comfortable and nice to be in because everyone can relax without searching for things." He shows me what needs to be done.
Dad says, "Liam, you can pick up the toys from the floor and put them in the basket. I'll fold these pillows and straighten the books." He hands me a plastic basket. I start picking up toys because when we each do a part, the whole job finishes faster and feels less overwhelming so I don't feel stressed.
As I pick up more toys and put them in the basket, I realize something. The toys are going into a basket because they have a home in the toy bin, and when everything is in its place, the room looks and feels calm. Dad is smiling as he folds the pillows.
"You're doing great, Liam," Dad says. "When we help keep our home organized, everyone in the family feels more relaxed because they don't have to search for things or feel stressed by clutter." I finish putting the last toy in the basket and feel proud of what we've done together.
Dad and I carry the basket to the toy bin in the corner. As I place the toys inside, I see how much better the room looks now. "Thanks for helping, Liam," Dad says. "Now we can both relax and enjoy our home." I smile because I helped make that happen.
Dad and I sit on the couch together. The room feels calm and comfortable now. "You know," Dad says, "helping with chores is how we all take care of each other and our home." I nod and realize that helping wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and it made Dad happy too.
"Can I play my space game now?" I ask. Dad laughs and says, "Absolutely. You've earned it." As I pick up the controller, I feel good about what I did. Helping Dad made our home nicer, and it didn't take as long as I expected because we worked together.
Social Story Methodology
Why This Story Works
This story helps children understand that chores are a normal part of family life and that working alongside a parent builds connection and confidence. By breaking down the steps and normalizing the feelings that arise during multi-step tasks, children with autism and ADHD gain predictability and motivation—making it easier to transition into helping and stay engaged without overwhelm.
Story Structure
How It's Written
Sentence Types
Voice & Perspective
Story Structure
Practical Guidance
Ways to Use This Story
Start small and specific
Read before the activity
Celebrate effort, not perfection
Work side-by-side at first
Use it to build routine
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