A blast from the past has parents questioning if we’ve gotten too easy on our kids

Remember when summer vacation meant an actual break from responsibilities? Yeah, me neither. And apparently, one man’s childhood chore list is making waves online, sparking a heated debate about whether today’s parents—yes, that includes us—have gone soft on our kids.

The Chore List That Started It All

A man recently shared his father’s meticulously detailed chore chart on Threads, and it’s resonating with millions of parents who remember similar childhood structures. His dad implemented this system when he was just eight years old, complete with daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities that would make any modern kid’s head spin.

“My pop was the coolest man on Earth,” he wrote, “but he had hella structure and rules in the house.”

The Daily Grind (Before School)

• Make your bed
• Eat breakfast
• Final homework check
• Leave the house on time

After School Requirements

• Change clothes immediately
• Complete ALL homework
• Check in before 7:00 PM dinner
• Be inside by 9:00 PM
• Leave no dishes in the sink and empty trash
• Shower and in bed by 10:00 PM

Weekly Deep Dives

Monday: Trash duty—take it out and replace all liners throughout the house

Sunday: Laundry day—washing, drying, folding, AND putting clothes away. Oh, and all school clothes had to be ironed. (Remember when we actually ironed things?)

Monthly Marathon Cleanings

• First Saturday: Bathroom deep clean—toilet scrubbing, bathtub scouring, floor washing
• Second Saturday: Kitchen overhaul
• Third Saturday: Basement blitz
• Fourth Saturday: Sweep and wash the front and back of the house

So… Are We Too Soft?

Here’s where it gets interesting. The comments section exploded with parents reflecting on their own childhoods versus what they expect from their kids today. Many agreed that “structure breeds discipline,” while others questioned whether this level of responsibility at age eight is realistic—or even necessary—in 2026.

According to research from the University of Minnesota, children who do chores develop stronger work ethics and better problem-solving skills. But experts also note that balance is key—overscheduled kids can experience burnout and increased anxiety.

The Working Mom Reality Check

Let’s be real for a second. As a 38-year-old working mom juggling career and kids, the idea of implementing this entire system sounds exhausting—for everyone involved. Between soccer practice, Girl Scouts, homework help, and actually spending quality time together, when do we fit in teaching our kids to scrub toilets like their life depends on it?

But maybe that’s the point. Maybe we’ve swung too far in the opposite direction, doing too much FOR our kids instead of teaching them to do things themselves.

Finding the Middle Ground

Child development experts suggest age-appropriate chores can boost children’s confidence and independence. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting small and building up responsibilities as kids mature.

Here’s what might work for modern families:

Elementary schoolers can handle: making beds, putting away toys, feeding pets, setting the table, and putting away their own laundry.

Middle schoolers can manage: loading/unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming, taking out trash, basic meal prep, and doing their own laundry start to finish.

Teenagers should be able to: deep clean bathrooms and kitchens, cook full meals, manage their own schedules, and handle most adult household tasks.

The Verdict?

Maybe we’re not too soft—we’re just different. Our kids face pressures we never imagined (hello, social media and constant connectivity), and we’re parenting in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in.

That said, this viral chore list is a good reminder that teaching responsibility and life skills isn’t just about keeping a clean house—it’s about raising capable, independent adults who know how to take care of themselves and their space.

What do you think, Michiana? Are you team “bring back the structure” or team “let kids be kids”? Share your thoughts with us on Froggy 102.7’s Facebook page—we’d love to hear how you’re handling chores in your household!

And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this talk of chores and parenting, take a break with The Zach Attack Show weekdays 2-7pm on Froggy 102.7. We’ll tackle the day together—no toilet scrubbing required.

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Source: New York Post