From family to family, there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to parents assigning or not assigning adolescent chores. Partly, I think, the decision can depend on personal history.

Reflecting back on their youth, parents may find different stories about "chore experience." Consider these two.

Account one: “I was the only child until my sister came along six years later. My parents believed their job was doing for us, not us doing for them. Although we helped sometimes, they pretty much took care of what needed doing around the home. The regular work we were expected to do was for school.” Children rarely did chores.

Account two: “We had five kids in the family, so it was all hands on deck most of the time. By age 4, I started helping, picking up, cleaning up, and daily preparation, while the older kids were expected to take some routine care of the younger ones. This was how our family was: everyone pitching in.” Children regularly did chores.

Chores are consistent work responsibilities that parents assign, most often to take care of her or his personal needs and to regularly fulfill........

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