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From Chores to Homework, I Don’t Let My Kids Cut Corners!
Updated: July 2, 2020
Originally Published: Jan. 8, 2017
Imagine your child is eager to play outside with friends, but you’ve instructed them to tackle their regular chore first: washing the dishes. They comply but rush through the task, leaving behind food residue on several plates. You have two choices: either get frustrated and finish the job yourself or call them back to the sink and say, “Sorry, buddy, but this just won’t do.” At my house, I often find myself leaning toward the latter approach, which has earned me the nickname of Meanest Mom Ever.
This stems from one of my strictest rules: I refuse to let my kids half-ass anything. Whether it’s a poorly scrubbed toilet or a hastily written paragraph for English class, I give it a swift thumbs-down until they meet the standard I know they can achieve. Sure, I could clean up after them when it comes to chores, but what does that teach? It sends the message that their effort doesn’t matter and that someone else will always swoop in to fix their laziness. Nope, not on my watch!
Now, I’m not saying I’m hard on them when they’re trying something new; I totally get that there’s a learning curve. I allow for rookie mistakes and inexperience. But once they understand what’s expected and I know they can do it, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be done right. If they cut corners or rush through it, guess what? They get the joy of doing it again, properly this time.
This approach can be challenging because kids often lack motivation when it comes to chores and homework. They frequently test boundaries, and let’s be real—telling them they have to redo something definitely brings on the whining and the sulking. Does it make me want to pull my hair out? Absolutely! It would be so much easier to accept their half-hearted attempts just to keep the peace, but I remind myself that I’m doing this for their own good. If I don’t hold them to a higher standard now, they’ll never learn to demand more from themselves.
One day, they’ll encounter someone—maybe a college professor or a boss—who expects their best efforts. If they’re used to coasting by, they’ll be in for a rude awakening. If I let them slack off now, I’m essentially telling them that mediocrity is acceptable. That kind of mindset doesn’t serve them well and can hinder their potential. As their mother, I want them to strive for greatness, not to be the person who expects others to clean up after their mistakes.
I know my kids are bright and capable. By insisting they show it, I’m equipping them with a vital life skill: doing things right the first time saves work down the road. They don’t need to be perfect, but I expect them to put in their best effort. Even if it falls short, I can tell when they’ve genuinely tried versus when they’ve been lazy.
I don’t demand perfection from my kids, just effort—the best they can give in whatever they’re doing. They know this from a young age, which is why my 7-year-old recently told me he “used his whole ass” on a school project. Maybe I’ll adopt that as my new motto because it’s definitely better to give your all than to be an ass hole.
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Summary:
As a parent, I refuse to let my children cut corners on chores or homework. I expect them to do their best and hold them accountable to a standard I know they can achieve. This not only teaches them the value of hard work but also prepares them for future expectations in life. I believe that instilling this mindset now will benefit them greatly in the long run.