Dont you think I should get some appreciation for doing these things?

Question

So every day that my mom isn't home, I clean the house.

Here are some of the things I do:

-make beds(3 beds, mine, my moms, and my brothers)

-do dishes

-clean the bathroom sink

-straighten up the living room(pillows on couches, floor sweeped, nothing on floor)

-make sure my room is spotless

-last but not least, do about 3 loads of laundry.

My mom has only said "thanks" thats it.

Honestly, I think I should get paid or some kinda appreciation

I feel like a freaking maid.

I mean, she works 8 hours, but I figure she wants to come home to a clean house so I clean.

How can I talk to her about either giving me an allowance for this or some kinda shopping credit?

thanks :)

Answer 1

Let me ask you this: Do you tell your mom you appreciate her working hard to give you things you need and want?  If not, why should she show you any appreciation for what you do?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to rag on you, but I think a simple "Thank-you" is appropriate.   You live in the same house and contribute to the mess, so why shouldn't you clean up?  Your mom works to give you the things you need/want, so why shouldn't you show your appreciation to her by cleaning up the house?

That being said, why not talk to your mom about having some responsibility around the house, but getting an allowance for the other stuff.  For example, your responsibilities could include cleaning your room, doing the dishes and cleaning the living room while you could get an allowance for doing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom and making the beds in your mom's and brother's room.  Sounds reasonable to me.

Answer 2

What are you doing here? Your argument is very mature, and all in all, complete. Have a conversation with her, and strike up that you'll do all the things you listed, in exchange for an allowance. Good job with answering your own answer! A+

Answer 3

You are doing a great job and need credit for it.

She should be so very thankful to have the house and laundry done when she comes home from work.

Maybe you need to catch her in a good mood, sit down and ask her nicely if you could have an allowance or benefit.  

Answer 4

One of the days that your mom is happy try telling her how you feel about the situation and maybe she'll understand. I have a similar problem but I don't do so much freaking work.