What do you think about 2 kids ages 11 and 15 not doing any chores?

Question

My boyfreind's sons don't do anything except play video games and watch tv. (They have a PS3 and a Wii)They get very little exercise, both are overweight. I have moved in with him and I see now that that he cleans their rooms, does their laundry, puts it away, picks up after them...everything!! It blows my mind cause my kids are the same age and they do everything, even their own laundry sometimes and can cook for themselves if they need to. Do you think they are just spolied brats and need to be more responsible?

Answer 1

Yes and move out.  I doubt your kids are happy having to clean up after these lazy kids.

Answer 2

Absolutely. I think making kids do chores around the house is a great way to teach them responsibility. I used to help around the house in order to earn my allowance and that helped me learn the value of money. It's a shame to hear of overweight children in a society where there are so many options and activities.  

Answer 3

Yes. They need structure. This helps them to do things on their own, and will be ready to move out of the nest. I would speak to your b/f late at night, behind closed doors about this, and voice your concerns. Like make a chart who does what on which day. Like on Monday night, your 11 yr old and his 11 yr old does dishes, sweeps/mops kitchen. and the 15yr olds clean the bathrooms. Etc. On the weekends, is laundry, one does their laundry on Saturday..and the others do theirs on Sunday, so they will have clean clothes for school. This is there responsiblity. Dont do them! If they dont wash their clothes, then they will have't to go to school with dirty clothes. Stick to your guns, and make sure your b/f does too. They will get tired of being stinky. I know it sounds gross but if you stick to it..they will do it regulary. Good luck.

Answer 4

They aren't spoiled brats.  Their dad is weak and not teaching them responsibility.  You can't blame the children for poor parenting.

Since you are living with him then this is something that you definitely need to discuss with him.  

kids need to learn how to take care of a home and this is an excellent age to learn.  It's also not fair to your kids (I assume they live with the 2 of you) to see that his kids don't have chores and they are expected to have chores.  

Ultimately he's the dad of the boys and he gets to say what they will and won't do.  Decide if them not doing chores is a deal breaker for you to continue living with him.  If it is then maintain your own home while you continue to date the dad.

conflicting or incompatible child rearing techniques are one of the big reasons second marriages fail--the couple winds up constantly arguing about the kids.  Some people are great for you if kids are not involved but then when you throw kids into the mix they suddenly become bad for you.  

Answer 5

Yes they should be more responsible.  My son is 9 and he does chores, once the chores are done then he can play games. Their father needs to put his foot down and make these kids move, chores are not going to hurt them.

Answer 6

They definitely need to be helping and your kids should not have to do chores while they sit there and do nothing. You need to talk to their Dad and tell him this. Then you guys can have a family meeting and announce all the new rules. They need to learn how to take care of themselves, they are way too old to not be helping. How are they ever going to take care of themselves when they are older???