8 things that kids don’t like!

Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash

Now, when I say “kids’’, I am talking about tweens and teens. And, when I say “things”, I mean responsibilities that they need to start taking around the house or at least of themselves. Both of these age groups wouldn’t be enthused being classified as kids but that is what they are as per the United Nations. They are children.😀

So, let’s get down to business! What are the things which your or my kids don’t like doing around the house? Unless you have a team of helpers around the house, I bet these are the 8 things that you would love your kids to help out with.

1. Making up their own bed: This is the least you would expect of a 10 year plus. However, this is probably the most disliked activity. Why? God knows! I think kids just don’t see the reason for making up a bed which they will jump back in, the very same day. For parents, any child who makes up their own bed without harassment is probably Buddha or the next Jack Welch. Having made the comparison, I have no proof of what Buddha or Jack Welch did with their beds.
2. Cleaning up their room: After beds, as parents, we expect our kids to clean their rooms. Problem is, most children don’t see the point of this. Why? Because, they believe their room is already clean. Can’t argue with that. Can we? Remember your own days as a teen!
3. Loading and Unloading the dishwasher: Now, this is probably a first world problem. Dishwashers though very exciting and intelligent pieces of machinery, they need someone to load them and then unload them. Some help around this is expected. However, most kids love to use as many pieces of cutlery as possible but ask them to load the dirty dishes or even unload the clean ones and you will see a new avatar of your child.
4. Doing the dishes: And, if you dare not to own a dishwasher, a better part of your life will be spent in washing dishes. And, if you are sailing in that boat, I really have my sympathies for you. But, hang on, if you think your kids are gonna help you with dishwashing, best of luck!
5. Loading and unloading the washing machine: Now, not too different from the dishwasher, the washing machine fares no better when kids are involved. You will see the same faces, same smirks and same dialogues when you want some assistance from your child to load or unload the washing machine. We killed this off by getting a dryer and placing it next to the washer. As of now, this has become easier.
6. Assistance in Cooking: Some kids are very interested in cooking but a majority (quite naturally) expect their parents to be chefs and waiters. At the start, it is all too great when you serve your kids with great food (nowadays, the list is endless) but later when you ask them to help; you will be faced with resistance. Suddenly, your kids will act busy, pricey and you name it. Obviously, who wants to chop onions, peel potatoes and prepare the salad. That’s a job for poor people, isn’t it? And, if we all start cooking at home, what good is Uber Eats?
7. Help in Decorations: Whether it’s Christmas decorations or Diwali or your Local New Years celebration or the annual birthday or anything else, I bet many kids don’t enjoy helping with decorations. The older they get, the worse they become. After all, decorations are for handymen (oh, let’s not be gender specific, let’s say handyhumans) to manage.
8. Washing the car: Now, if you see those pieces of chips or banana peels or the random tissue paper in your car and you have the grand plan to wash your car (and save 20 bucks and the trip to the car wash); you will be amazed with the response if you ask your teenager (who is usually the source of the trash on your car’s floor) to assist with the car wash. Getting them to plug the hose to the tap would be a big ask; forget about vacuuming the insides.

Now there could be many such categories where your kids don’t behave the way you would expect them to. I would love to see your comments.

Note for Parents: Let’s remember that once upon a time, we were all kids. Every time you see an unwanted response from your child, remember your own responses when you were a kid (just be honest). In these modern days, technology helps us but also impedes us; without putting ourselves in our children’s shoes, we wouldn’t be able to understand them. What would you have done if you were asked to do dishes, when there was Social Media, TV, Video Games and the concept of “binge everything” awaiting you in the next room or at your fingertips. Today’s children are tested (for balance) far more than we were.

Note for Kids: Now come on, get off your butts and help around. Ok! I take that back. That’s not been put the right way. All parents love their kids, we just want a little help from “you” to make our lives much more wonderful than it is now. I know you have it in you; can the real YOU please stand up!😉

Now, all of the above is pretty generalised and there are a vast many exceptions; but hey, you get the point. Don’t you? And, yes, do you help your parents with that odd gardening work or cleaning the shed or re-arranging the garage. Don’t get me started. Shh! I have a bigger list than what I have shared.🤣🤣🤣🤣