Theresa in South Portland.
A: Dear Theresa,
I can offer some tried and true advice for finding a peaceful resolution to the chronic bickering over household chores. But if the nuggets of wisdom
Iıve learned from my years in the "trenches" have to be summed up in just a few words, the following are the ones I'd like to offer up to you: Teach your children in-home responsibility at an early age. Children have
constant curiosity, ever growing learning capabilities, as well as boundless energy. It amazes me how many parents lose these opportunities to have their children learn about respecting, cleaning and taking care of their living environment. I believe one of the greatest gifts one can give children is to teach them the basics of caring for and maintaining their home. It is estimated that 85 percent of college seniors are ill prepared to maintain their first home. Teach your children the basics at an early age and encourage them to round out their education with industrial arts programs. Your kids will appreciate it once they own their first home! Delegate Responsibility. Remember, if you set yourself up as a superwoman (or man) and continually take care of everything yourself, there won't be anything left for the rest of the family to do and they wonıt even notice that things havenıt been done. Set Reasonable Standards. Don't expect superhuman behavior from your family. We live in an extremely hectic world and itıs important to be realistic when it comes to any given workload.
Follow Through. On the other hand, donıt hesitate to remind other members of the household to do their part. Dividing the work is the only way to truly
conquer it. Besides, sharing the load is good for everyone it keeps you from visiting the "edge" too often, teaches kids responsibility that will
serve them well and allows your significant other to experience life more fully on the home front.
Donıt Assume the Worst. If a member of the household does neglect a job he or she has agreed to do, resist resigning yourself to the fact that he or
she is destined to become a professional slacker. Instead, be generous with second chances. Try to make it a fun thing to do.
If All Else Fails, Fly the Coop. Youıll be amazed at how fast the newly appreciative chicks will rally round upon your return from a short "vacation." Good luck Theresa!
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance,
how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to
editor@themaineswitch.com.