This is making me sad. I wanted SO MUCH to do things as a child. But I vacuumed the carpet wrong because the pile didn't all go the same way. I once burnt the label on the back of a pair of jeans, so I only got to iron three times. I took too long drying up. I daydreamed. I used to help our elderly neighbour do her weeding, but wasn't allowed to at home. Sometimes I could use the secateurs (sp?) if mum needed to run around after other people on a Saturday afternoon, but she'd generally do it again after I had and whinge I hadn't saved her any time. I had to put clothes away, once they were washed and ironed for me. My sister lives round the corner from mum and guess what - some days she comes home to a fresh-cleaned bathroom and ironed clothes. Yes, it's nice that it's done - but she doesn't really like it.

DS is allowed to help with ANY chore he wants to do. Sweeping, cleaning, dishwasher, cooking (not just baking!), washing machine, gardening, grocery shopping, washing the car... I only insist he tidies his toys away. And we both do that together. Well, I played with them too. I haven't taught him to make the bed yet - but DH's mum did that for him right up until we got married, and six years on he only gets up after me one day a week so I haven't quite taught him that one yet. I do tend to put away his clothes - in from the line after dinner, put away while DS has his bath. It's the way the day works out for me. He picks his own outfits and can dress and undress himself, although he often asks me to do it. Sure - why not? This phase isn't going to last long. Same as his constant stripping off. I bet that won't be a problem 10 years down the line!