Has it been awhile since you last updated your child’s to-do list? It may be time to reassess.

Middle schoolers are more than capable of handling “serious” chores, so consider assigning yours some of the following:

• Making dinner. Your child shouldn’t have to feed the family every night, but how about once a week? Go over kitchen safety and meal planning, and then have him get started.
• Laundry. If he can reach the knobs on the washer and dryer, he can do his own laundry. Just show him the basics first, such as how to run the machines and measure detergent.
• Pet care. Insist that he be responsible for his own pet. If he forgets to feed his pet before going to bed, wake him up. Teach him that caring for another living being is an enormous responsibility.

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