Q: What chores do you think a 10 year old, 12 year old and 15 year old boys should do around the house? What curfew time for a 15 year old? What do you think should be the consequences if they are late? I have two step-sons (the 2 oldest) and my son from a previous marriage (the youngest).
Thanks for your time.
Gwendolyn
A: Gwendolyn,
Give them any chores you want them to do. Just remember they won't do it like
you do it and you have to be willing to spend the time to train them. Don't
make it so overwhelming that they are in misery...we didn't have children to
make them our slaves! Consequences for not contributing usually revolve
around how much money they get. You don't contribute to the family's well
being you don't get the perks that come with it! Be strong...don't cave in.
They'll be such better spouses.
As for curfews, I believe they all deserve a long rope as long as they
continue to make good judgments and choices. We can't keep them from being
exposed to everything bad out there but we can help them to filter it through
our values. Basically "As long as you don't screw up you can have a lot of
freedom." The curfew should reflect the activity...hanging out all night is
simply not OK. Just don't choke the dog...cause he will bite you! After all
we are trying to teach them independence and that only comes through
experience.
Yours in Ajax,
Caryl - the blonde Mommy 
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