Teenagers may have varied personalities, but share similar characteristics due to the biological state they are in. They want to be independent, they are risk-seeking, extroverted and quite idealistic. However, the most prominent character teenagers commonly have and which most parents complain about is laziness.
They tend to live in a strange world and speak a totally different language which only themselves understand. This makes them seem detached from family and home life. Parents can find it difficult to engage teenagers with household chores. Here are some household chores which you can easily get your teenagers’ hands-on with.
Organize Drawers
When you notice them slugging around, drooling on their phones over social networks — do not command them directly to get up and do household chores. Instead, use some endearing, backassward approach.
Lead the task by starting to unload the drawer yourself, and ask their opinion if that certain thing is still being used or not. Make them identify and sort the things they use and would still need to use from the ones they don’t.
This way they don't feel obligated to do some household chores but are secretly helping out.
Let Them Handle Household Chores Like Recycling
As a parent, you should be a perfect example for your teenagers. We know no one is perfect, though. But before you ask them to throw out the garbage — make sure to have separate bins for trash and recyclables.
For recyclable materials like paper, computer parts, and electronic equipment — get your teenager to call for shredding services in your area. This will teach them proper garbage and recyclable disposal and make them environmentally conscious too. BONUS!
Caring for Pets
The teenage years are a revolutionary period of a person’s mental, physical, social and emotional being. Take advantage of the process by injecting more sense of responsibility in them.
For example, household chores like taking care of their pets can encourage responsibility. Do it even before they get the pet. So when they asked to adopt that stray dog they saw at a curb or buy a little birdie from the pet store they know they are the ones responsible for feeding and cleaning their pet’s area. Not you!
Cleaning their Room
Teenagers can creatively come up with good alibis not to clean their room or make their beds for some important school assignments or group projects. Don’t buy into this because it won’t help them.
Make time to visit their room and check if it's a disaster — at least once a week. This will not only teach them to care for their personal space but also the common areas.
Engaging your teenagers with household chores will hone them to become responsible individuals — we hope!
Does anyone else feel like their teens are addicted to technology? If it’s not the iPad it’s the video games or the laptop or the phone…its like they freak out if they are unconnected for more than a minute. Getting them to do anything sometimes is a struggle. I’ve started shutting the Wi-Fi off at 6pm…no excuses…its going over like a lead ball on, but I’m sticking to it! Great tips!
That is a common sentiment among parents. With social media apps, messaging apps and games, it is really hard to pull kids away. The key is to set clear boundaries and it sounds like you are doing just that! Good job!