Need some parents opinions....?

Question

I was just wondering how many parents think that children should help with the house work. I have four ages 8, 10, 14, and 18. None of them think they should help with anything around the house. I don't agree with this. Having a family of four is alot of work, especially when im the only one doing everything, even the garbage, yard work etc. My husband drives a truck long haul, so he is rarely home. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer 1

Both my children are expected to do chores. And they do not get an allowance for it. They live under my roof and I pay the bills. We are a team for better or for worse and they are on my team wether they want to be or not. So their contribution is the following:

Light laundry during the week, dishes (but we have a dishwasher), sweep and mop the kitchen floor daily, take out trash, clean their bathroom every weekend and touch up during the week, Clean their rooms, complete all homework before 8:00 PM, pick up the living room and den and vacuum on Wednesdays. We live in a condo so we do not have yard work but when we did they were expected them to sweep the grass from the drive way and walks, pick up any debris in the yard and scrub the front porch each spring .

During the week it is 30 minutes of work if they both come in and get it done. It can take longer if they work against each other. This is not a lot. Most of what they are cleaning are their own messes anyway. I give them money when they go out with friends to the movies , skating etc. How much they get and how often they are allowed to go depends on how well they did the chores without being reminded.

They usually take turns loading the dishwasher after school each day. One time it was a huge fight over who was going to do it and it was not done when I got home from work. So I had my husband unhook the dishwasher and let them do dishes one month by hand. Toward the end of the month I cooked a huge meal for extended family and by the end of the day they were glad when we allowed the use of the DW again. If the chores are a real problem that week, they can expect extra work like washing my car, washing out all the trash cans with bleach, moving the fridge and stove to clean behind/under them, washing and ironing drapes. It took me about 6 months to get my kids trained to do chores on auto pilot after school. I had to stick to my guns and not back down when there were problems. Believe me when I tell you there were tears of protest and anger. Especially when the chores could not be split evenly due to age. But as they got older it worked out better.

Answer 2

first off your 18 yr old should not only be helping with chores around the house but also working outside the home as well..and the 14 yr old and 10 yr old can do some dishes, dusting, vacuming, water plants, clean the bathrooms, take out the trash, pull weeds...etc...i have a 16 yr old and a 13 yr old and a 1 yr old and u betcha the older ones do their fair share of house chores!! they are not allowed to go swimming or play with their friends until the homework and chores are done!!!! THEY HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THIS!! OH GIRL~ U GOT 4 KIDS THAT ARE OLD ENOUGH TO PULL THEIR FAIR SHARE ON THE HOUSE WORK...HECK THE 2 OLDER ONES CAN EVEN COOK TOO!! HAND THEM A COOK BOOK AND OPEN THAT FRIDGE UP & HAVE THEM GO TO TOWN ON THE COOKING!

Answer 3

Absolutely, don't give them any money, or buy them anything until they do. Assign them chores and if they do it great reward them, if not don't give em a damn thing. I have 2 plus my husband, so really 3. And I do all the work also, although my kids are 7 and 1 I don't expect anything of them, I do make my 7 yr old clean up after herself, but there will be chores. Good luck and the 18 yr old needs to be in college and out of the house.

Answer 4

You are the parent here right? I have five children, and yes each of them helps pick up the house, even the 2 year old picks up his toys and dirty clothes. Although I do the majority of the housework, it is important to have children learn this responsibility young so they aren't so dependent when they get older. My husband says that if you don't want to help with the house, then get a job and help pay some bills. Set some rules regarding this, and make sure that if they don't do their share that they lose privileges. Good luck!

Answer 5

I think every single one of them should be helping, including the 8 year old. Why on earth would you ask the kids if they think they should have to do chores? Of course they'd prefer not to!

My 17 year old is responsible for cleaning the kitchen (dishes, wiping counters, sweeping, mopping) , hanging laundry (I fold, she hangs), and random sweeping/dusting/yarkwork aid as needed, which usually amounts to about an hour a week. My 10 year old is responsible for clearing dishes, entertaining his younger brother while others clean, and helping with yard work/sweeping/dusting. The three year old...well, he at least tries to help, lol. We basically all pitch in and do 15-30 minute "family cleans" a couple times a week, where we all send misc back where it goes, sweep, etc. in the common areas of the house.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, They do need to help you around the house. Your 18 year old needs to find a paying job, either help you financially or get out on their own. Time to grow up. The others are definately old enough to help.

My daughter started helping me around the house when she was 7 years old and actually appreciates me now that she has her own children and they are 6, 3, and 1 year olds. She gets them to help her. It not only helps you out around the house, but it also teaches them responsibility when they get older.
By the way, My husband was also a long haul trucker.

Answer 8

I agree that children of most ages should help. I only have one child a boy of 10,even he keeps his room tidy brings down his laundry and other bits. However if i had 4 kids i would make up a rota of chores for them,then when they do the chores they get their pocket money which they have earned. If all else fails show them all the replies you get back. They are old enough to know.....What would happen if you went on strike and did no laundry,how would they get clean clothes. If mum dont do it will they???? Best of luck.

Answer 9

It's not a democracy it's a family. They need to learn how to cook and clean just like learning ABC's and taking a bath. I am a male and I did my chores and when I turned 16 my mother forced me to learn how to cook, How to make a cheap meal in a pich. She called it survival 101. And I complained the whole time. I now am so thankful for it.

Answer 10

ABSOLUTELY! Being a family requires teamwork. Everyone is part of the team. My girls are 10 and 8. I don't work them to death, but I ask that they make sure their rooms and their bathrooms are clean (except toilets and showers) I will do that stuff. They do empty dishwasher, fold clothes and empty trash when asked. I do make sure they are compensated as well.