How much help should I expect ...?!

[Cheeseandpickles]

I’m getting more and more fed up … my DDs are 15 and 11 and don't do very much around the house to help out, despite my frequent requests to lend a hand with certain chores each day. I work around 30 hours pw from home but as I'm 'at home' I think there is an unspoken expectation that I should do the lion's share of domestic stuff.

I’m just wondering if anyone has strategies to get them more motivated to help out - I’ve stopped pocket money on a regular basis & have threatened to suspend phone contract for the older one… helps for a week or so then it peters out. Am I being unreasonable/expecting too much?

Maybe the first mistake your making is that you are requesting them to do something. I think that is the wrong mindset. I don't request my kids to tidy up, I tell them to!

My 15 and 16 year olds are useless in the house. the elder is disabled so gets away with murder probably, but the younger one plays on that, and doesn't see why she should do jobs if the older one doesn't.

Trouble is the 15 year old is lazy but money obsessed, so I pay the minimum of pocket money, and tell her the rest has to be earned. Doesn't work though, she still does nothing!

Watching the thread with interest to see if I can get some tips.

rota the arses off them

I don't expect my dcs to muck in- I insist that they do

They moan, but they do do it

(getting them to do 'extra', non-rota stuff is PAINFUL)

Stop pocket money altogether. No money until they earn it, create a chore list and stick it on the fridge. It's there the next time Bob,Jim or Sally wants to go to the local shops after school and you have to be the one to fork out. Well not anymore, no advances, no money until it's earnt.

Thanks all - I need to be less of a soft touch and get a rota/chore list drawn up asap! Hotel Cheese is about to close!

Lists are good

They will moan at first

Be tough-don't waver, then it will all become Normal

Oh and lists/rotas will get round the BUT I DID THAT YESTERDAY BUT I DID IT ON TUESDAY endless circular rows that will otherwise take up all your time