Chapter 21 - Chores Return
For months I avoided asking Ione to clean anything.
Mistake.
Dr. Lowe called me on it.
“You are teaching her that chores belong to Marjorie.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Because someday she needs to clean a bathroom.”
I hated practical therapy.
So we rebuilt.
Ione chose first chore:
Feed the washing machine.
Meaning put clothes in.
She liked buttons.
I supervised.
Then:
Match socks.
Clear plate.
Vacuum her bedroom once a week with lightweight vacuum.
No kneeling brush.
At first she asked:
“How long?”
“Until visible crumbs are gone. Five minutes max.”
Timer.
Then done.
Not until adult decides soul improved.
She learned work can have objective end.
That was important.
One Saturday she refused.
“I don’t want.”
“Okay. Then no tablet until room is picked up.”
She stared.
“Punishment?”
“Consequence.”
“Same.”
Sometimes.
But proportion matters.
She cleaned.
Complained entire time.
May you like
Healthy childhood restored.
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