Ask Kari: How should I discipline my son when he doesn’t do his chores?

Dear Kari,

--Mom in Charge

Dear Mom in Charge,

First, I would establish predictable family rules inclusive of the responsibilities that are your son’s. Post these rules in the kitchen where he will see them every day. Be very explicit with the morning routine and evening routine. Review the rules/responsibilities with your son and ask him to sign them. Then, practice respect and predictable responses if/when he does not follow the agreement. For example, no tech time in his room alone if he doesn’t do his chores; only allow him the use of his computer to complete his schoolwork. Have him sit right next to you while doing it. Teenagers like to do their work and peruse social media, so taking that option away will be painful for him. It may be a cumbersome for you to have to monitor him, but he will recognize that you mean business. I do not recommend taking away his phone or anything else unless you to are okay with how the punishment impacts you (i.e. taking away his phone may make it hard to know that he has arrived home safe, etc.). Again, predictable parenting is shown as the best method to get a predictable, positive outcome. It helps our children know what to expect and alleviates the stress of navigating the world without direction.

–Kari