Need Kid Opinion - Being too Heavy Handed?

[wombat]

I agree, the cinderellas can go to the ball only if the house is spotless, and extra chores next week!

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
The wife was around to a degree. On top of working she had to do all of the running around for the kids, two doctors appointments and has been taking the girls out dress shopping. Running from 7a-9p pretty much all the time.

 

[Southernbelle]

Tough one...If they get their work done before tomorrow night, I would probably let them go, but still ground them for the blatent disobedience. It shouldn't take an entire 24 hours to clean - I can make our house presentable in a day and I'm just one person.

Are homecoming dresses already bought? Those are expensive...

That's the one thing I miss about being in the workforce pre-kids: sick days. This place goes to heck when I'm sick, too.

Sorry, Boyd.

 

[vfem]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm sure if you showed their dates the stinky trashed house they wouldn't be interested in dating your daughters anymore!

I know when I saw a guy's trashed place I would kindly tell him to call me later... and then never answer the phone when he popped up on my caller ID!

Ground 'em.... I would! So long Homecoming!

 

[b.hromada]

I agree with Debi, the MUST comply first, or no homecoming!!

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
The wife was around to a degree. On top of working she had to do all of the running around for the kids, two doctors appointments and has been taking the girls out dress shopping. Running from 7a-9p pretty much all the time.

Welcome to my world.

In that case, I'd give them a chance to clean it up before homecoming, if it's done they go. If not, they don't. And then sit down after homecoming and have a serious family discussion about responsibilities. If need be, put them in writing so there is no confusion and be clear about what disciplinary actions will take place should someone falter on their end of the bargain. If you give the kids a chance to choose where and how they help out, even, it may make them more willing to participate. To an extent of course. Maybe package up the chores into "choice 1", "choice 2", etc so you have one package for every member of the family and then let them each choose a package to be responsible for. You and the wife taking the two that are leftover. Just an idea... thinking outloud.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Are you KIDDING me???? These are teens. Those boys would take one look at that mess and think they found their soul mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Either than or you are weird.

 

[Ewe Mama2]

If they were my girls, I would calmly tell them that their chores are to be done prior to painting a single fingernail for homecoming. If their jobs are not completed in a satisfactory manner, no dance. They are members of the family and need to learn what it means to be responsible. If this doesn't get nipped in the bud, they are going to eat you alive, Boyd.

You could also tell them that you are going to plant your h1n1 dirty tissues under their pillows if they don't hop to it and clean up. That will gross them out!

I'm glad you're feeling better!

 

[GAChknGirl]

They need to get the house spotless before they go, then yes!! At least thats what my mom would do!! but then grounded after or make them have to be home early but let them go, Homecoming is a big event for high schoolers!

 

[Boyd]

Love the responses so far. How we work it, is we have a rotating chore chart we come up with every month. 1 kid has dishes for a week, one has bathrooms, one has livingroom, one has floors... the following week it all switches... so it will be 5 weeks before so and so has the kitchen again.