by Lori Mueller, YouthZone Executive Director.

My child has no regular chores around the house, but will occasionally pitch in when asked. Does this sound familiar in your home? If so, maybe its time for a change of thinking or a shift in your perceptions regarding what value a chore has. If you believe that in order for a child to develop positive self esteem, self-discipline and a good work ethic, chores were solid starts, would you be more inclined to make them a regular expectation? Kids will whine, they will test, and they will try to weasel out of their responsibilities. That is their way of understanding boundaries, structure and consequences. As parents, we have become wimpy in our ability to handle tears and temper tantrums. Let’s get it together parents and begin helping kids realize they are valuable contributing members of our families; they are capable of hard work and can be disciplined. Let’s love our kids enough to make them work!