On Chores..
Families often talk to me about how their kid(s) do not like doing chores, and the battles they can get into over them. While spending too much time on this in a session can be unhelpful, I want to talk a bit about chores, especially in the context of overall family life. Chores can be a very helpful thing for kids, and not just because it helps us parents out. Rather, it shows the value of family, of working together, and doing your part. Chores can also be a time for parents to instill life skills: teaching the basics of how to load a dishwasher (though mom and dad may have very different views here!), doing a load of laundry, and basic household maintenance. In my experience, kids do want to help out, they just don't want to be nagged about it and feel forced to do something. They also don't want to go clean the room while you sit there watching TV. So, make chores part of a family building activity - something that you're all doing together. Make it fun. My kids and I ...