I agree that there has to be consequences. They are old enough to realise that every person has to pull their own weight. You are not their slave and they should appreciate that they are not being asked to do more.

I use a chart by my 8yr old, she gets a point for putting the dirty wash in the wash basket, with these points she can get reward, bedtime extensions, game with mum / dad, pick a meal or for lots of points she can pick a movie or a day out with the family.
It’s an easy to gain point, when she doiesn’t do it she doesn’t get a point on her chart = her choice.

There has to be consequences, so I don’t think you’re doing the wrong thing.

I don’t think you are stealing their money ! You are trying to teach them some discipline and they will realize that when they do as you ask and do not fine them. They will have learnt a valuable lesson.

Oh wow!! Hope this one was sorted!! I get my 6 yo, 4 yo and 3 yo to take their dirty clothes into the laundry ready to be washed, even my 1 yo does it too as she just follows her brothers… I will be certainly giving them a penalty once they are older and they don’t do as they are asked!!

I think this is a fantastic way to teach your children some responsibility.
They are going to complain for a little while, but I have no doubt it will be effective!

if it works then do it. you shouldn’t have to constantly pick up after them. they need to learn responsibility for themselves.

Absolutely yes without a doubt, RESPECT!

you are doing the right thing, i might take this on board but with my husband too!! We are not designed to clean up after everyone else.

Most certainly is! Getting them to pay is hard so I suggest it gets deducted from what you would have given them the next week, that week, depending what day pocket money is give, it is fair as you aren’t a maid and they’re old enough to know better. My kids are 3, 6 and 15 and they all clean up after themselves or no pocket money, gift, book, whatever I was going to buy them.

I think that is a wonderful idea. I wish I had thought of it. They need to have rules and boundaries. Keep up the good work.

Absolutely!! And when mine are teenagers I think I will adapt your idea of fining them! I make my son (8) and daughter (3) put there dirty clothes in the laundry, I bought them a little hamper for their room and at the end of each day it should get emptied and put in laundry. It’s part of their routine now so it’s not a big issue for them, but if they forget they know their clothes don’t get washed. I think it’s a great idea and I’m glad to see you are taking action, otherwise they won’t be prepared for when they do move out and will be turning up at your door to do their washing! Good on you!

I understand your way of thinking. It’s up to you if you fine them or not lol!

I’m the housemaid here – I’m always picking up stuff and it doesn’t bother me, when our dear daughter leaves the nest one day, she’ll be in for the biggest shock of her life:-)

I would be definitely, no parent should pick up after their teen children. Keep up the good work! Your children will respect you for it eventually

That is the best idea!! I will be keeping that one in mind for when my darling grows up

It is a great idea in this house if they leave the washing dumped as long as it is not wet it goes back in their room, they do learn when their favourite jeans are not clean

oh I love this idea!!!!
my kids don’t get their pocket money unless they have completed their chores every day for the week. Miss one for no good reason get deducted.

I think you can fine them, if you can get them them to pay! Refusing to wash their clothes unless they are in the laundry might be more effective. They’ll learn pretty fast when their uniforms, sport clothes, work clothes etc aren’t ready when they want them.

My children are under 8 but they know that if their dirty clothes don’t go in the dirty laundry basket they don’t get TV or iPad time as that is their reward for helping out with house chores, I say good on you for fining them you are teaching them life skills.

I think it’s okay to fine teenagers who won’t follow the house rules. They need to be civilised somehow!