Progress report: My kids actually helped with yard work today
I'm not exaggerating when I say this never happens. My 9yo and 11yo both typically find excuses or just complain the entire time I'm trying to get them outside. Today I tried a different approach and offered them actual money per task instead of the "you live here so you help" argument. Got like 3 hours of solid work out of them. Yes it cost me $25 total but that's probably the best ROI I've had all year. Might be onto something here.
The fact that this is so noteworthy says everything about how kids respond to being asked to do stuff without choice. Good on you for mixing it up instead of just demanding compliance