She fired the maid, drew up a chores chart, and put the girls on notice. The girls weren't exaggerating. Fifty years ago, according to several studies, nearly all children helped maintain the house - free of charge. Twenty years ago, kids still did chores, but small payments lightened the task. Today, all that remains of that tradition is the weekly payoff.
Most young people are busier than ever - with soccer, schoolwork, and music lessons.
Parents are left rolling their eyes in despair at unmade beds and mounds of laundry. But while children today exhibit few domestic skills, many may have gotten a helping hand from adults who have acted as tireless chauffeurs and bankers and rarely demanded anything in exchange. Professor Damon points out that more families can afford to hire help as well as give children spending money. We used to have a sense that children build character by serving their community. Now, there is a sense that what children need is free time for their friends and special lessons.