Parenting the Blended Family: Allocating Chores and Responsibilities
By Kelly Nault

It’s crucial to create a parenting environment in which your children—all of them—feel needed, wanted, and appreciated. A child who believes their household needs them knows that they belong—knows that they are accepted.

 

Figuring Out Chores and Responsibilities for Blended Families


Most children today think the best way they can help out around the house is by getting out of the way. As I discuss on page 86 of my parenting book When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You, the “Go and play” attitude does not establish that vital sense of family connectedness nor does it establish the sense of contribution that is essential to your child’s future well-being.


To create this sense of belonging, include your children in household chores and responsibilities. For blended families, this can require additional time, effort and patience as you reallocate certain household tasks, but the investment is well worth it.

 

The next time you want to snatch the vacuum cleaner from your son because he’s not doing it right or take over on dishwashing because your daughter has chipped yet another glass, think twice.
 

Remember that your children gain a great sense of accomplishment in helping out around the house. Encourage them for a job well done. Especially encourage them when the job isn’t done to perfection by pointing out what they did right and gently telling them how they can improve.