Ask Denny Strecker

Holly asked:


My 10 yr old does dishes 2 times a week. (No dish washer) has to wash them and put them away. People say I am too strict with her. She gets an allowance and runs the vac once in a while (her choice) just to help out. Is it too early to be making her do dinner dishes?? I wash all sharp knives and any pots and pans.

Cole

summer dawn asked:


my kids are both under 10 but over 5 and getting them to do chores is like pulling teeth.. even an allowance doesnt work.. any ideas on this one lol??
i pay them 5 bucks a week which averages out to about 20 bucks each a month .. given their ages thats a sweet deal.. isnt it?

Samantha

grumpywhitegirl asked:


I have two 9yr old girls, two 8yr old girls, and one 6yr old boy.
I am fed up with them being messy and want them to start learning about responsibility. What are some good chores for them besides laundry?

Sydney

Deane asked:


I’m wondering how many parents do have there kids do weekly chores.My daughters 69yrs old do weekly chores my 9y.o daughter helps my 6y.o daughter teaching her how like to wash bedsheets using the washer and laundry.

Daniel

Cj asked:


I have a 13yr boy and a 10yr girl. They are getting to use to the fact of not having to clean-up after themselves or having any responsibilities. That shits changing as of right now for sure!! They are both good kids for the most part, but they need to learn.

Ella

Southern Lady asked:


My 4 and 6 year old have small chores around the house but most important is cleaning up after themselves (putting away toys), they are to put dirty dishes in the sink after eating, they MUST clean up their rooms. They don’t have to vacuum, wash dishes, or lawn maintenance. I believe having chores shows responsibility but my parents say I am too hard on them. My children are extremely smart and as a result of their cleaning, they now have a routine and are much cleaner children. I see nothing wrong with this. As they get older, they will have even more chores to do and they will be rewarded for it. But I was given chores at the age of 5 and there is nothing wrong with me. Any ideas?

Antonio

♥ Amber ♥ asked:


We have been together for over 7 years. My hubby and I seem to have disagreements on what chores our sons should do. My son is 16, his sons are 10 11. (note 11 yr old acts 16 – does not follow thru -hides clothes rather put away, etc) he is alsa failed and is repeating 5th grade.

The following chores are assigned to each one:
The 10 year old – feed water dog trash once a week, the 11 year old – dishes 16 year old – sweep floor and vacuum (also work part-time job at restaurant and boat dock). They each must keep room daily (with exceptions on weekends) Every other week, 16 year old us, 11 year old weed eats and 10 year old picks up sticks. I do laundry, hang up shirts and have them take their clothes to their room to hang up. (Note: on occassion, we help them with chores as it is motivating for them!) We want to hear from you parents to know what you do or have done.
Hubby thinks the chores the 10 11 yr old have are too much. I must remind him that my 21 year old (who moved out at 18) my 16 year old (both) did chores since they were little. His thing is that that he has 2 older son daughter, already grown up he is becoming more relaxed he is tired of arguing or having conflicts with kids on chores. My reply is that you are the parent it is your obligation to follow thru as a parent teach them reponsibility. If he cannot follow thru as a parent, how can I expect them to follow thru on their chores?
Our disagreements always turn out to be about our boys!!

Kaitlyn

PurpleHaze asked:


And what types of things should they do?
My kids are 7,6 4.

Stephanie

P B asked:


Do they just expect the housekeeper to automatically clean up after them?
I’m a working mom so I felt I needed help around the house but I’m scared my kids will think that it’s OK to not pick up after themselves.

Valeria

SCMommyof2 asked:


I am 26 and have a 4yr old and 7 month old. I work from 8 – 5 and they go to daycare. I pick them up from daycare, go to the gym. When I get home I make dinner, clean the house, bathe them, get them ready for bed, put them to bed, then I get on the computer to do bills, etc. Now …im wondering your opinion on making things a little easier on myself as I have no time for anything else and I dont like being so stressed all the time and I want to spend more time with my children. What do you do to keep up with your crazy schedule yet spend enough time with the children?
I do have a husband but he works crazy hours from like 7am till 8 or 9 pm because he is the director of transportation at our job…so he helps when he can.
and to answer your question chief I am at work so I cant do the chores at this time…so thanks for your smart @ss answer.
Im not worried about me time…Im trying to spend more quality time with my children. I dont want them to be pushed to the side until everything is done…im thinking of hiring a maid or something
quiting my job is not an option…We live comfortably and want to stay that way for our children…and the kids love the gym because it has lots of fun things for them to do…so not stopping that either…

Megan