Hi Jaie,
I brought all the boys up to to pitch in whenever help was needed! I taught them how to repair just about anything around the house. I taught them how to landscape. At the same time, I taught them how to wash dishes, clean their clothes and iron them also! My boys were up on roofs doing repairs when they were 10 to 12 years old, with guidance.
You're not evil, you're preparing them for the hard facts of life!
Now, I have to admit, that our younger son Ryan grew up with a really close knit circle of friends. That's how we sort of ended up adopting Daniel. Our house was always the go to place for the boys. But, they learned that they all had to earn their keep here. If they wanted my 4 hour marinara sauce with spaghetti, they had to earn it!
The payoff has been, that I've had 3 out of the crowd that check in weekly now to see if we need help! Since Ryan and Daniel are now in the army, that means that our values made a difference in not only Ryan's life and Dan's, but 3 of their other close friends. How cool is that?
Don't be afraid to push a 16 year old! They need and even crave those extra chores! They may gripe big time, but it will pay off in the long run!
Maureen
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.
'Plato'