Parenting the Radio 2 way....

The other day, on separate sides of the country, Amy and I were listening to the same radio debate about getting your children to contribute to tidying the house, doing mundane things and chores. Debated by many a caller was the rights and wrongs of should we allow are 'children to be children' as they only get one chance or should we push them to learn about the real things such as housework that we all hate doing, but simply have to be done. After much discussion, we have opted for pushing the girls to take part and realised this was a significant weakness within our parenting and most of the time we hand things to them on a plate. Not any more!

Both the girls have highlighted something they really want. Anna, a Buzz Lightyear torch and Lucy a new dress. Now they have to earn it and help with the chores in the house. They are going great guns and it is working a treat. Some days we experience significant resistance, but most days they work enthusiastically towards their goals and rewards and earn stars on a chart for every job they do....Long may it continue. I did try to implement a chart system for Mrs Hammond, but this did not go down too well!