Q. I’m struggling with getting the kids to take some responsibility for all the work that needs to get done at home. I don’t want to spend all my time fighting with them over chores, but I would love some help around here!
By the time children are about seven years old, most parents have begun to think, “It’s about time she did a little work around here!” and the battles begin. “When are you going to feed the dog?” “That garbage needs to be taken out right now!” “Honey, how many times do I need to ask you to make your bed!”
It’s good to expect children to take part in the work of the household. Children are quite capable, and feel a lot of pride in a job well done. But, like us, they acquire feelings about the jobs they’re expected to do. And when those feelings are negative, children can drain a lot of their parents’ emotional capital on the way to completing their household jobs. Read the rest »
By Patty on 01/13/09 in Chore Lists, Columns, Editor Picks, The Connected Parent
