Many young teenagers who live with middle- or upper-class families grow up feeling that they are entitled to the benefits in their lives. Their life experiences lead them to take things for granted, such as supportive parents or caretakers, meals, housing, and good health. When parents ask such teens for help with household chores they are often met with resistance.
“Why should I help clear the table? I didn’t make that whole mess.”
I ask these teens who they think should clear the table. Often, they have not thought about this question. Some say that it’s their parents’ job, in which case I ask them why they think this should be the case. They might reply, “Because they’ve always done so.”
While I recognize that learning to take on household duties should be part of learning how to take on responsibilities, many young teens view........