Instilling discipline- good chores for an 8 year old?

Question

It's become clear that my partner's 8 year old son has a problem with discipline. It's a horrible struggle to get him to do anything that's not "fun," no matter how small or brief.

My bf has just started insisting he do small things for himself (like telling him he can go get something himself when he asks his father to fetch something for him. He still whines and complains over this, but he's starting to do it without too much trouble). Homework is still a huge problem. He whines, throws fits, cries, puts his head down and refuses to move, screams "boring!" when his father tries to redirect his attention etc.

It's become clear that he needs some discipline to get used to the routine of occasionally doing things that aren't fun. He hasn't had any chores yet, and I think it might be time to suggest that he be introduced to some.

What are some good chores? And what are some good techniques in regards to chores?

Answer 1

Make him pick up trash on the ground or stock up the paper towels. You could make him spray Lsol around in rooms or just dump little trash cans

Answer 2

You could instill some discipline by making him do his school work right when he gets home before he's allowed to do anything else. After a few days of whining at the table until 7pm he'll figure out you aren't giving in. Children know how to, and will take advantage of, pushing your buttons. You're not abusing him by ignoring his fits.

Answer 3

the first chores we assigned our kids was to make their bed each morning before going to school and to put their dirty clothers in the hamper and not on the bedroom floor.  If they did not do those things the bedding was removed and the clothes were left lying and dirty.

Answer 4

Anything that you can be 100% sure he will succeed in doing. Nothing too hard or anything that he can get wrong. It will only have the opposite effect if he can't do it easily. Take it slowly.

Maybe if you have pets to change the pet water. I have a 7 year old daughter and her daily job is to collect cups from overnight (everyone's water cup or my cup of tea mug) and put them in the kitchen. I also have a 9 year old and his morning job is to help me make the beds.