Читать книгу Raising Able - Susan Tordella - Страница 49

Having outside help is a luxury. We hired a housecleaner when I went back to full-time employment and attended graduate school while the children were in middle and high school. The teens still had chores such as doing dishes daily and mowing the lawn, along with special projects such as painting a room. They supervised the youngest and drove her places.

After I finished graduate school and only two teens were home during the school year, Bob planned to escape the golden handcuff of corporate America. We made the family decision to stop the cleaning service and clean the house ourselves so we could save more money. Not only did the house get cleaner, $200 a month added up to $2,400 a year towards college tuition, plus taxes owed on the income.

Check your family budget. What are you spending on lawn care, cleaning and meals out that tweens and teens could be doing? Some employed parents delegate grocery shopping and cooking dinner to competent young people. It’s an opportunity to encourage them to take on complex tasks, contribute to the family, and gain confidence and competence.

Children of dual-career parents can have regular responsibilities, but fewer in number and frequency. Keep them involved in chores of their choosing and hire as much help as you can afford or see fit.