My almost-teen daughter just got out of school this past week and I've decided it's time to get back to the chores that were left behind during the last months of school simply due to her ridiculously hectic schedule (the number of projects middle schoolers get is unreal!).

Anyway, this afternoon I told her I wanted her to start unloading the dishwasher and you'd think I asked her to hand scrub and dry every single item! Needless to say, that didn't go over all that well with me and I quickly let her know that this wouldn't fly in our home.

But it got me to wondering, what do your children do for chores, especially during the summer?

Thanks!

In my house, she would do the dishwasher, and be in charge of all laundry. She should count herself lucky you only asked her to do the dishwasher.

We don't do chores...it's just not our thing. Dh and I both grew up with no chores and we're not lazy, nor did we think we weren't part of our households. I just say that because a lot of times in these threads folks say that's why they do chores.

I do have high expectations for my kids and honestly, I think 90% of it is your child's personality. My kids are both 'people pleasers'. So it works out really well for us. As they've gotten older, they just take things on...all on their own. So they notice the dishwasher is clean, they just unload it. Without me asking. They notice the kitchen garbage can is full. They take it out, tie it up and put it in the garage and put a new liner in the can...without me asking. For other things - I might say "can you please vacuum the family room", "set the table", "clear the table", "bring in the groceries" etc and they just do. My big thing is NO COMPLAINING! And they don't, so it works out well for our family.

I think you just need to figure out what works for you and your kids. I don't think a child is on their way to a chain gang if they don't have chores. Maybe ask yourself, why do you want your child to have chores? And talk to your child about why you want them to have chores. Not when everyone is mad but when everyone is calm. If you're constantly fighting about it, it just wouldn't be worth it IMO.

My DD is 12, we just made up a new chore list last week. She is now responsible for her own laundry, emptying the dishwasher, tidying up the downstairs half-bath every evening and doing anything else I ask her to do without rolling her eyes.

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DS-17
DD-14
DD-6
DS-4

We didn't have a dishwasher when I was her age. We rotated chores, so I would have to either set/clear the table, wash or dry dishes. My sister did the other. I also had to mow the lawn (very large lawn, bagging all clippings), help my mom weed the garden, and maintain my room. Shovel snow in winter. Sometimes take garbage out, but that was usually with my mom or sister as the cans were heavy (no wheels on them back then).

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I keep their chores pretty light. I feel like they will have so many responsibilities in a few short years that will last for the rest of their lives. I plan to add more responsibilities as they get older 'cuz I don't want to send them off to college not knowing how to do anything for themselves.

1. Gather all the bags from the wastebaskets in the house. Take those out with the kitchen garbage.
2. Any portion of the laundry except folding. I usually do that, but they will fold towels. Sort laundry for the family and put their own laundry away.
3. Dry and put away dishes.
4. Help shovel snow, rake leaves.
5. Vacuum their room
6. Clean mirrors
7. Bring in the groceries and help put them away.

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"EVERYTHING YOU ENCOUNTER IS YOUR LIFE"

Proud mom of 15 yo twins
Wife of 20 years to the best dh in the midwest

Thanks, everyone. She has been much more willing the past two days and has unloaded the dishwasher without complaint. I think it may have had something to do with one of her friends telling her that she has to mop the floors every day, and DD realized just how good she really has it.