Atop the list of complaints (yes, there is a list) from middle schoolers today:
When will my parents quit asking me to do stuff.
Parents familiar with adolescent lingo will recognize the word, "stuff" as a common substitute for just about anything your child doesn't want to do around the house.
Here is the short list of what I hear regularly from adolescents:
"My list of chores is endless."
"I don't know when I will be done."
"The weekend is supposed to be my time to rest."
"It's hard to see the end because they (my parents) keep adding stuff."
Creating a list is one strategy that benefits both parents and kids. Generating a list of "to do" items is easy enough. Keeping the list to a manageable number of items can be a challenge. Resisting the temptation to add items to the initial list, requires significant restraint.
Kids appreciate knowing when their duties will come to an end. Having a defined list in place helps them see the potential for free time. Although a list of chores/tasks may not generate the espirit de corps you hoped for, it gives your child the opportunity to formulate a plan for getting things done. With defined list of tasks and a plan for completing them, kids build motivation for taking action that will bring their "work" time to an end. More action from kids requires less action (nagging) from parents.
