I absolutely agree that chores should never be abusive or excessive. I do not, however, understand why so many people are hesitant to have their children help out around the house. It teaches them responsibility and makes them feel valuable to the family. Of course they hate chores, but so do I. It doesn’t change the fact that they are things that are necessary and that’s an important life lesson.

Your situation sounds far different as it seems as though your mom was incapable of seeing how hard you were working and what you were contributing. You make a sound warning for parents to keep expectations realistic and acknowledge what your kids are doing.