Let Them Do Chores

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Notice I didn't say "make" them do chores, because I thought it would sound too coercive. But, we do in fact make our kids do chores. Friends often are surprised that our kids take out the recycling, sweep the floor, unload the dishwasher on a rotating basis. I'm not saying it was easy to get to this place. There was a lot of whining and non-compliance for a long time. The more the kids saw us being serious and consistent about doing chores, the less they complained. I put a sponge and soapdish in every bathroom so they can clean up their toothpaste globs. I'm not saying they will do it on their own; Oh no, they still have to be reminded. But at least the sponge is right at their fingertips. (Forgive me for this smug-sounding "parenting tip." It's good to start early. Very young children need you to do the chores with them in parallel.)