They do more than me. I wasn't brought up proper and am happily untidy. My partner does all the washing and ironing and most other things. I do the cooking and shopping. It's definitely a partnership, but unfortunately my children seem to follow me more than their dad.

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Tee hee - that made me laugh. The thing is, I must be far sadder than the little red hen because I have simply given up doing the asking. I'm more like the pied piper of toy town - I tidy up the toys and when I turn round they're all back where they left them - following me round the house all day long - toys everywhere. Talk about chasing your tail!

This made me laugh too!! I spend my life (when not working, food shopping, chauffeuring etc) picking up glasses, empty crisp packets, cereal bar wrappers, plates etc etc... I say to my kids '"and what hotel did you book into?'" or a particular favourite is " tips in cash please..". Neither elicits any reaction, but saying them makes me feel better! Mx

I must officially be 'mean mum' because Max doesn't get any treats (TV, some games, biscuits, anything he values really) without doing something in return - even if it is only a tiny thing like letting the dogs out for a pee in the garden. I try to strike a balance between him doing enough to get an appreciation of what goes on, but not too much responsibility for a 4yr old (I was left to nurse my Mum & had to call an ambulance at 5yrs - just a touch too much!).

He has been really sweet now I just have a couple of weeks to go before No2 arrives and am suffering from crippling SPD pain - he'll pick stuff up for me and even told me to not worry about helping him make a snow man yesterday because I would have to bend down.

But don't worry, he isn't a total angel - still drives me to distraction as I tidy one area, and move onto the next to find him systematically moving everything around & untidying as I go! Plus, I'm not very worrisome about domestic duties - not into ironing (things look alright if you wear them for a bit), and am a pretty rubbish cook, we have astro turf for grass (2 dogs & small area, which would otherwise be a mud bath).

I am a great believer in everyone pulling their weight, I do a points system for the boys, see here http://themadhouse-themadhouse.blogspot.com/2009/08/praise-punnishment-rewards-and.html

FlyLady Follower here so I do it, but everyone chips in as they see it is only a litte amount of time. Last thing before OH comes to bed he gives a last tidy and a quick sweep of the floors.

This is a sore point in our house too. I'm often moaning at the girls, saying "have you left that for the slave to do?". The only way of getting them to do chores is to withhold privileges - allowance, sleepovers, friends over for tea, etc if they don't do them.

They don't do a lot to be honest, sometimes asking them to do chores feels too much like hard work so I end up doing it myself. I know, I'm my own worst enemy.

i read that a messy house is the sign of an engaged parent, too busy and happy involved with their children to care that the house is untidy. me like :0)

I love Grit's POV - I'll claim that one for myself.
My tactic is general bullying, shouting and evilness. Eventually small stuff gets done but it's still me that ends up doing the bigger stuff.

BG is unfortunatly to young to help clear up yet, I am trying to teach her that she doesn't need to get all her toys out

I'm really lucky that my OH helps with the housework, escecially on his days off from work, though he will do the washing up or sort the washing before he goes to work and he cooks as well. *please stop throwing things at me*