I've been making my kids (8, 10, 13) help rake leaves and pull weeds on weekends. My sister says I'm making them hate nature and outdoor work, but I think teaching them responsibility is important. They get paid a little bit but it's not about the money. Curious what other parents think - am I being too harsh or is this just normal?
Honestly kids need both—responsibility AND the chance to just enjoy nature without it being a task. Sunday yard work plus maybe a Friday evening just walking around the neighborhood looking at bugs or whatever. Balance it.
Your sister has a point though—if every time you go outside it's to work, they start associating nature with obligation. Mix in some actual fun outdoor time with zero chores attached.
Making them help is fine. But the key is making it feel like you're working TOGETHER, not like you're making them do labor. Attitude matters more than the actual work.
There's a middle ground here. Teaching responsibility is important but there's a difference between chores and making them hate nature. Maybe yard work on rotation and family hikes just for fun without the work element?
I do chores with my kids but I don't frame it as punishment. We work for like 45 mins then we're done and can do something fun. They learn responsibility but don't resent the yard.
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Your 13yo especially is at the age where forced labor feels like punishment. That's when you lose them on outdoor stuff. The younger two might still be okay with it depending on how you approach it.