Chores

This week’s topic is looking at chores – everybody’s got them (almost everybody). I do feel that chores are necessity in families whose kids aren’t involved in extracurricular activities and jobs and things of the sort. This gives children a sense of responsibility and put’s some sort of weight on their shoulders. Aside from that, children should have enough respect for their parents and show appreciation by doing these small labors which we all tend to exaggerate to being so arduous. Though, I will admit I get a upset and flustered when I am asked to do something, which brings me to the point I want to make.

If children already have enough on their plate (school, clubs, job, etc.) as it is, parents should have the respect to acknowledge this fact. Don’t get me wrong – I do find my parents have fairly balanced what they do ask of me, which isn’t very much. Despite the fact that I even realize it, I still find myself upset. Aside from those random days off where I am caught up in my studies and aren’t scheduled to work, I am constantly busy. In order to do anything that’s personal and something I enjoy doing myself, I am forced to multitask while doing homework. A prime example would be right now, because I am burning approximately 200+ more CD’s from my computer, which takes a considerable amount of time (not that I’ll find time to listen to my music anyways).

I don’t mean to sound rude, but when I’ve got 1 hour to get packed, drive home, get dressed, eat and get to work, I do get a little aggravated when I am asked to take out the trash or help unload something. And if I’m running late in the morning and fail to have time to make my bed, it shouldn’t be pointed out – I had to get to school. Whereas most children would be praised for willing to stay up late to study and strive to do well in school, I usually get harped at or griped because I’m not in bed. Sure, sure…my health is mentioned and how much sleep I get it important, but why isn’t this topic brought up on weekends when I stay out late and not doing homework (this happens on a rare occasion, mind you). Another thing which was that I need sleep to do good on the test, but I’m pretty sure I won’t recall what I haven’t read.

When I’m asked to do the chores, I think it’s safe to assume that I’m not really being asked or given an option, it’s more of a demand. Perhaps if some allowance was brought into the picture things wouldn’t be so bad – at least I’d have some motive and reason (aside from loving my parents!) for doing it. I know what they ask/demand are petty things and not very often, but the time does mount up, and it interrupts my train of thought when I’m in the middle of something. If you ask anyone who knows me even the slightest bit, they could tell you how much I struggle to get on task because I’m so distracted as it is. Chores aren’t fun for anybody – especially without pay! So that’s basically my two cents on chores.