I did it

How cute about the "I Heart You" in the grass! YEA for doing chores without complaining!!!!

Never underestimate the power of bribery or blackmail when it comes to teenagers :) I know I've learned with helping to raise my niece how it can be very effective. She cleaned her room up on Friday night because she wanted to go places this weekend and she knew she couldn't unless she cleaned it Like your grandson she doesn't like to do chores but will do them if the incentive is right. Amazing how it works for us isn't it? I think that is very sweet that they mowed that I heart you. Sounds like he is a very good kid over all.

it is very nice at last you are able to do so. it is always tough to get job done by teenegers,. they are busy in their world. hope it is done properly.

That was very clever of you, and them mowing a big I heart you how sweet is that! You must be very proud of your grandson.

Kids, especially teenagers are hard to motivate to do chores. It's not fun. Even adults like us hate chores, don't we? But motivation is the magic word to make them do what we want them to do. And they work better with someone or a group. It is because they are used to that, remember they are still in their school age. And we need to be creative in giving them chores, we need to sugar coat everything because no matter how we look at it, it is still hard work, boring and not cool. But of course, with a friend doing it with him, it turns into play. So you are lucky to make him work. Rewards keep them going too.

I had the same issues with my boys when they were growing up. Now, however, they come over and help me any time I ask. They came this past fall and cut a winter's worth of wood for me, did some repairs in the house, painted the ceiling, etc. The younger one is coming next week to help me paint the higher walls in my bedroom. So, don't worry too much Dee - they'll grow up in spite of themselves! :)

Teenagers do not like doing things just because it has to be done. I know. If they think that it is a chore then they will not clean their rooms, etc. It is like us needing to take a walk, but we say, "I am not going to take a walk just to lose two pounds," but if it is to go to the Mall to window shop or to our friend's house for a visit, then that is a reason to take a walk. So all you have to do now is to promise them something or allow them to go somewhere special or for them to do something as a result of finishing their chores, and they will do it. Rather crafty, but it works.

Isn't it cute how when they want something they hop right to it? I've always found it a great motivator with kids. !!HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~

I too have always struggled with getting my two daughters to do any chores, and usually have to hang things such as this over their head to get it done without any lip. Right now, my youngest one better have a list of things done before she leaves out today, or it will be putting herself one step closer to being booted out the door. That's awesome that they mowed that into the lawn. Did you think to take a pic of it?

Isn't amazing how much you can get a teenager to do, when they want to go somewhere. I tell my boys to clean their room. It will get done if they want something or to go somewhere. When I was a teen I had set weekly chores. And I did them everyday. I fI didn't there was heck to pay. I try to raise my children that way but its not working. Bribery always works though...LOL

How sweet that they mowed I Heart You :-D Sounds like a nice kid! Hopefully you guys can work it out after spring break to where he doesn't give you so much grief about daily housework. Meeting in the middle is fair with teenagers, so I'm sure if he had incentive, he be happy to sit down at the table hehe. Same thing as adulthood, working for the things you want... so what does he want? What do you want from him? Happy negotiating :-)

This really takes me back in time I lived with my Grandparents for a long time. I hated chores but I loved my Grandparents, and I would do anything they asked of me. I never really cleaned the house much Grandma always did that, I did always offer to do something during the spring i would till up the garden and plant it for them and cut the grass on a weekly bases. I always did the yard work (while papaw watched) he would always surprise me if there was something I needed he would get it for me,I treated them the same if they needed something done I did it without question it always made them happy for that I am thankful a smile said more than enough for me and that was all I needed was to know they were happy. Still till this day if they need help I will help them my cousin who is about 10 years younger than I lives with them know and I hope that he'll do the same things for them I have done,and keep them smiles rolling off there faces