I'm part of that mean mom club.  Chores are okay begginning at 2 years.. simply picking up their toys is a "chore" I like to call them responsibilities.having your kids in maintaining the home is the best life training they will ever have.  It teaches them immense responsibility and respect for their home. It creates manner for life especially whern visiting other homes.  Kids learn what they see, hear, and live. I am a PRO life trainer.  Is there anyone esle who is the better teacher for the. 

I think you are experiencing a case of EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL here.  Yep, our kids are the best at this.

If you want your children to have chores around the house, then let them have them.  Maybe draw up a roster of who does what and when (whole family) and a list of rewards they get when they do them, especially without having to be asked!!!!

Washing dishes (not drying, to great a risk of breakages!), taking rubbish to the bin, sweeping the floor, making beds, taking washing to the laundry, tidying own room.  Those are a few that our little girls will be doing when they reach 6 years. 

Hi there,

I am sorry to say it but it sounds like your kids are trying the old trick of trying to get to feel bad so they don't have to do chores . . .  Chores are a GREAT thing and sadly many parents don't ask the kids to do them anymore.

ALL my children were doing little tiny chores when they were two. Simple things like taking their dirty clothes to the laundry and helping to pick up their toys . . By the age of six my kids were making their own beds, helping with the drying up, grooming their dog, vacuuming their own rooms plus lots of others little bits . .

Stand your ground honey - You are doing the right thing . .

Cheers Kellz

I agree with Cazza, it doesn't matter how old your kids are or what chores they have to do, if they have to do anything they aren't interested in doing at anytime they aren't interested in doing it, they will accuse you of being mean. My son gave up on that when he suddenly realised that he actually had it easy compared to some kids after I challenged him to raise the question about chores at school with his friends. LOL

All children think  we are mean when we ask them to do something that doesnt involve making a mess or playing.. So i wouldnt worry about it..

With your 5 year old, you could have a chart , where she is awarded for what she does.. so have her Pick up her toys when finished. Have a basket/hamper in her room and have her put her dirty clothes in it.. let her Vacuum if she likes... Let her set the table with non sharp items  etc..

i mention the above chores as my 5 year old loves doing all that..

xx cazza

When I was around 6 I had to wash the dishes 2 times a week. Clean my room every night before bed. Put my washing away in the cupboard. Make my bed. Dust. Once a week I would help cook dinner (but I thought it was fun not a chore).

my kids have chours. they are 6 and 4. they have to pack the dishwasher and un pack it. their washing has to be in the laundry and they have to put their dishes in the kitchen.