We have different methods for different chores. However they have evolved as the children grew. Now being teens here are some of the methods used. My children aren't really thrilled with the first one but they get done.

The first involves their own personal space and items, such as their room laundry and video games/toys. They are asked once to clean their room, wash their laundry, (if I notice it needs to be done). They are at that point not asked again. I got tired of the arguing. So you ask how does that help? Well you need to be patient. At some point in the day they want something, such as can I go out. Can I go to the movies? Your response, did you clean your room, do your laundry and pick up after yourself?

Usually the answer is no. So I tell them after they finish those chores,they then get done. After missing a few events, they caught on. Now the requests begin with hey dad my rooms clean and laundry is caught up can I go out. In which I can reply yes. No arguing no fighting and they learned to take care of their responsibilities first.

The second involves all general areas of the house such as dishes living room etc.
Children should not be responsible for the whole house. When asked if they can go out or on the computer after dinner, they are told not until the chores are done. This does not imply they have a set chore and can leave when it is done. They can't leave until it it is all completed. This rule includes my wife and I. We can't sit down after work and relax until all the chores are done either. Again no arguing or fighting I think it is because we adhere to the same rule as they do. Not putting ourselves above them but taking an equal role in the home. Our evening chores take an average of thirty minutes, unless we begin horsing around. We also allow them to put on their own music while doing this.

The third method is one used between my sixteen year old son and myself when my wife is at work sometimes on the weekend. This method teaches no responsibility or lesson here and my wife yells at me for this. Although she never had to know until my son sold me down the river. We would often wager cleaning rooms on video games. Now don't get in an uproar. Have you ever played a sixteen year old in a video game I've lost more than I won.

These methods work for us and gives us family time as well. We often talk and joke around while getting things done. More often than not though my kids ask if we need help with anything before they head out. I believe its because we all take an equal part in keeping up our home and understand and respect each other.

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