I came from a family where everyone (including children) were expected to contribute something. We all had chores to do and were responsible for keeping up our grades and looking after each other.

Some adults are opposed to having their children do anything but 'be kids'(whatever that means) and many oppose the idea of elder siblings looking after younger ones. I am pretty clearly old school. If you know who Ma Dear is you pretty much know my family traditions when it comes to child rearing and respect.

How much, if anything, do you think your children should be responsible for in their home?

I am a bit old fashioned too. what chores they do depend on age. But my son knows he is expected (at the very least) to take care of his own mess and room. But since it was just the 2 of us....we would just do whatever needed to be done

Exactly,, my toddler has to clean her own room, but my teen has to do things like clean his room, do his laundry,take out the trash, vaccuum, and take turns doing dishes.

yep...when Adam was little I would let him sweep or dust. Now he didn't do a good job but it was the idea that he was helping

One of the main problems in society today is people are no longer held accountable which includes the children as well.....Giving them some responsibilty is not only a learning tool, but also helps them understand and grasp a work ethic.....Sometimes I wonder if the child obesity problem within society could be lessened by going back to the "old school" ways, where children had things to do instead of playing video games and being in front of the TV and computer all day. We tend to give them what they want, when they want it, it stems from the guilt of not spending quality time with them, or we can't be bothered.....Good post.....

some may disagree with this but I see one of the parent's roles is to prepare their kids for adulthood.

what's to disagree with, yes we must allow them to cradle their youth, but rear them to grasp what they will face upon becoming adults.....it's all part of the nurturing process, they may disagree with it, but being prepared is essential to Being

I just said that as a disclaimer because someone in the world would disagree

The new people, across the street, don't watch their little ones who play in the street. The kids are 3-4 and 5-6. They go down the street toward the park alone and the parent's are no where in sight.

yes a huge problem today, the inner cities are even worse, kids going to the chinese stores at all hours of the night alone....Speaking of neighbors, remember when everyone on the block knew everyone on a first name basis and all the kids were invited to each others birthday parties...Good luck with ever seeing that again.

I agree. Back then there were dangers but it didn't seem as bad as today. When I was young, we knew our neighbors and we all helped each other.

I would speak to them about it....but these days you don't know what kind of reaction you will get. They party and get drunk outside until 4 am, block driveways...everything.

I even heard the little ones mouth off back to their parents before in a way that I couldn't believe. I know kids sometimes try to push things...but a 5 yr old telling her mom to shut the hell up?

This is really a thing from the past I'm afraid...

I agree with parenting role as being one of preparing them with skills to function in the real world.

As far as that 5 yr old..I wonder who they are hearing it it from?
Its probably the way her parents communicate with each other and with her......too bad.

I would speak to them about it....but these days you don't know what kind of reaction you will get

^true story, went into a donut store once, there was a child in a stroller sitting out on the curb facing the street where the bus pulls in, I walked in the store and asked who the child belonged to, a woman said me, why?..."don't you think you should keep him with you, I said your back is to him, his wheels aren't locked, he could be snatched or roll inot the streets, she went beserk, f-u such and such, don't tell me what to do with my child, I should call my boyfriend and have him whip your a--...I gave her my phone and said call him, he'll probably whip your a-- for treating his son that way.....but that's mild compared to some of the way these kids are treated.

Michigan...I know that is where they get it. I've heard the parents (when they come outside to smoke only) and their friends.

It's really sad. Can you imagine how these kids will grow up or how they will be in school?

Tasks teach responsibility & respect.
To many of our youth DO NOT have these teachings.
SUCH a PITY.

I agree that children need to grow up with discipline and chores and whatnot, but I don't believe that older children need to raise the younger ones. That is still the parent's responsibility in my opinion. I get so mad when I see girls who are 15-18 years old raising their younger brothers and sisters while their moms go out. I've seen it several times.

maybe I'm cynical but it seems more and more parents are pushing their responsibility of raising their kids onto others. Makes no sense to me sense the others didn't have the enjoyment of making the kids

Kids learn what they live. Sad sometimes. I think extreams to either end of the spectum is unhealthy. Somehow making childhood a constant bootcamp for responsibility and being a servant to a parent doesn't sound like a very loving and nurtureing environment either. Think balance is probably the key.

you are right...they are kids still. A good balance is great

My only actual chore was to clean my room the other housework I helped with was just because I wanted to help. Except dishes..when I was growing up, my mom had a "touch my dishes and die" rule in the house.