Chores, Chores, and More Chores

I don't understand why kids complain so much about Chores.  Really, all generations have done chores in one way or another.  Sure I didn't walk to school with my sisters and brother both ways up hill for 5 miles in the snow.  However I did walk to the busstop at the corner of the road.  I didn't have a bus pick me up at the end of the driveway for me. 

So when I ask my kids to do chores why do they complain so much.  Like mowing the yard.  OK so while I run your sister to work please mow the yard.  Response:  What!!! I'm tired, it's hot, can I do it tomorrow, this weekend, how much you willing to pay me.  My answer: Me too, Me too, NO, NO, I buy you clothes, ipods, computers, and clothes what more could you possibly need.  NOOOO AIR is free.  Well at least in West Virginia it is.  :-)

Twenty mins later I pull back into the driveway and the lawn is 90% mowed and he is asking for a break.  Oh yeah did I mention we have a riding lawn mower.  Break really???

So the little one smiles and says to me in her angelic voice, "Yes, mommy I cleaned my room."  So I say ok well let me finish watching this show and I will be up to check on it.  She runs full throttle up the stairs and I hear World War III happening.  Dogs run scared down the steps, crashing, banging, shoving and then it is well I'm ready now. 

Some people would think that I should know better, but heck I'm a sucker.  So upstairs I go and I trip over toys on the way up the stairs.  Turn the corner and stuffed under the bed is everything imaginable (clothes, books, toys, boxes, balls, shoes, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and everything in between).

Her comment: But you can walk without tripping on anything, I don't see the problem.  OK can I have a yard sale, I think we should get trash bags, its your fault you bought me this stuff, etc.

My response: Really, I do.  No we cannot have a yardsale, you have drawers so no to the trash bags, don't worry cause I don't have to buy you anything else.

The oldest says.  Mom you just don't understand!!!  I don't have time for chores.  I have work, school, soccer, band and FFA.  I don't even have time for friends.

Just a side note: soccer, band and ffa are her choice and so is work.

OK so I say well you didn't work the last three days and you only have the laundry so put the clothes in the washer (5 mins) study until clothes are washed (30 mins) then put clothes into dryer (5mins) study while clothes dry (30 mins).  I think that is a fair compromise. 

She doesn't like me.  But then again what teenager likes their parents.  I don't think that parents are prepared for the amount of complaining that comes from three little angels.