My Husband and 4 Kids Are Constantly Slacking off Their Chores – This Time I Taught Them a Good Lesson
A mother of four was exhausted from doing all the household chores, despite working longer hours than her husband. She repeatedly begged her kids and husband to help out, but her pleas were often ignored. Eventually, she took matters into her own hands and taught them a lesson for slacking off their chores.
An exhausted mother | Source: Pexels
My name is Sarah, and my life is a whirlwind of real estate deals and family responsibilities. My husband, Mark, works at a shipyard, and we juggle raising four kids: 13-year-old twins Emma and Ethan, 12-year-old Lily, and our 8-month-old baby, Mia. We both work around 50-60 hour weeks, and while Mark gets weekends off, I do not.
A man, a baby, and the mother | Source: Pixabay
For years, I enforced a chore system, teaching our kids to contribute to the household. But since Mia was born, everyone’s efforts have dwindled, Mark included. I often come home to find him on the couch, glued to his phone, while the kids are absorbed in video games or makeup tutorials.
A tired mother asking for help | Source: Pexels
The house isn’t dirty, just cluttered, but the state of the kitchen drives me insane. I’ve repeatedly voiced my frustration, sometimes resorting to drastic measures like cutting off the internet, canceling family trips, grounding the kids, and having heated arguments with Mark.
For instance, one weekend, the kitchen was a battlefield once more, the remnants of dinner scattered across the counters and dishes piled high in the sink. I stood at the doorway, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
A kitchen sink full of dishes | Source: Pexels
“Mark, I can’t keep doing this,” I began, my voice trembling with pent-up anger. “Every day I come home to the same mess. What do you even do all day?”
Mark looked up from his phone, his expression a mix of annoyance and guilt. “I work too, Sarah. I’m tired when I get home and would love to just rest on the weekends.”
I threw my hands up in exasperation. “And I’m not? I work just as many hours as you, if not more! But somehow, I am the only one who cares about this house being livable.”
A woman confronting a man | Source: Pexels
Mark’s face hardened. “I do my part. But sometimes I need a break too.”
“A break? You think I don’t need a break?” My voice rose, the edge of my tone sharper. “I can’t even cook dinner without washing a sink full of dishes first. The kids have chores, you have chores, but nothing gets done unless I nag everyone. I’m tired of being the bad guy.”
Mark stood up, his own temper flaring now. “I’m sorry I’m not perfect, okay? Maybe if you didn’t make such a big deal out of every little thing, the kids and I wouldn’t feel so stressed.”
A man and woman arguing | Source: Pexels
My eyes flashed. “Oh, so it’s my fault now? If you’d just step up and parent, maybe I wouldn’t have to be the one holding everything together. I’m exhausted, Mark. This isn’t just about dishes. It’s about respect and responsibility.”
The argument continued, our voices echoing through the house, each word a reminder of the growing chasm between us. On that day, he took care of the dishes and organized the house after our intense arguments but my efforts often yielded short-term improvements that quickly faded away.
A messy house | Source: Pexels
So, yesterday was no different as much as I had expected my husband and kids to at least clean the house. Before heading to work, I reminded them, saying, “You guys better have your chores done by the time I get home.” They responded with the usual, “Yes, ma’am.”
After leaving work, I texted Mark around 4:30 p.m. to ask what they wanted for dinner, and I picked up their requests at the grocery store.
I walked into our home to find the same disheartening scene, a sink overflowing with dishes, a wet load of laundry in the washer, Mark lounging on the couch, and the kids in their rooms.
Laundry in the washing machine | Source: Pexels
I set the groceries on the table, packed a bag for Mia, and told Mark, “Have at it. I’m going to Applebee’s.” He looked up in surprise, but I walked out with Mia without another word. About 20 minutes later, he called.
“I washed the dishes. I’m sorry. I was super tired today.”
“You use that excuse all the time. There are three older kids with chores, and you couldn’t even tell them to do anything?” I shot back, my patience worn thin.
Angry woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m trying to work on it. Can you just come home? I don’t know how to make this dish,” he pleaded.
I was tired of him behaving like an inexperienced baby yet he was a grown-up.
“It is a complicated dish but you can Google how to make it or find tutorials on YouTube. So, no. I’m sitting at Applebee’s, enjoying my steak and shrimp with Mia. You and the kids can fend for yourselves. Apology or not, I’m not letting you off the hook this time.”
A frustrated woman | Source: Pexels
He had me on speakerphone, and I could hear the kids in the background, chiming in, “Please grab us something from Applebee’s.”
“Absolutely not,” I said firmly and hung up.
When I returned home, the groceries were put away, and the family had settled for grilled cheese and cereal for dinner. The tension in the air was palpable as Mark and the kids sat at the table, their expressions a mix of frustration and resentment.
A girl eating cereal | Source: Freepik
“Everyone should know that this is how it will be every single time you don’t do your chores,” I stated firmly, standing my ground despite the uncomfortable silence that followed.
Mark looked up, his eyes tired but defiant. “Sarah, we get it. But was it really necessary to leave like that? You could have just told us to get it done, and we would have.”
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “I have told you. Over and over again. And nothing changes. I’m tired of being the only one who cares enough to do something about it.”
A couple in disagreement | Source: Pexels
Emma, one of the twins, looked down at her plate, pushing her food around. “Mom, we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to make you so upset.”
Lily, the 12-year-old, chimed in, her voice small. “We didn’t think it was such a big deal. We thought you’d just remind us again.”
The sad twin looking down at her plate | Source: Pexels
I felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. “It is a big deal. It’s not just about the dishes. It’s about all of us taking responsibility for our home. I need to know that when I come home, I’m not walking into more work yet all you have been doing is sitting around.”
Mark leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I understand that, Sarah. But maybe we can find a better way to handle this. Storming out isn’t the answer.”
The man at the dining | Source: Pexels
My frustration bubbled up again. “I’ve tried talking, Mark. I’ve tried asking nicely, reminding, and even nagging. Nothing sticks. I needed to show you all that I’m serious.”
He sighed, looking at the kids, then back at me. “Alright. We’ll do better. But can we also agree to talk things through before they get to this point?”
Husband and wife reconciling | Source: Pexels
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anger. “Yes, but only if everyone truly steps up. I can’t do this alone.”
The kids nodded solemnly, and Mark reached across the table to take my hand. “We’ll make it work, Sarah. We’ll all try harder.”
A happy household | Source: Pexels
As I stood there, watching my family, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events. Had I gone too far? Maybe. But something had to give. I hoped this would be the wake-up call they needed. Only time would tell if the message had finally sunk in.
Taylor Swift’s Chiefs Game Outfit Called ‘Cringe’ – Fans Say She Looks Like a Teen!
Taylor Swift’s outfit at the Kansas City Chiefs game has caused a lot of talk online.
On October 7, 2024, Taylor Swift made a big entrance at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to watch her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play against the New Orleans Saints. Many were excited to see her, especially since she had missed two of his previous games. Her appearance was highly anticipated, and fans were eager to see what she would wear.
Her absence from earlier games sparked breakup rumors between her and Kelce. But by attending the game, she silenced those rumors and attracted a lot of attention from fans and photographers. Swift walked into the stadium wearing a short plaid dress and tall black boots.
In a close-up photo, Swift’s slight smile and fresh look were highlighted. Her dress had an off-shoulder design, which showcased her gold jewelry nicely. In another picture, she smiled even more broadly, with her bangs framing her face. Her hair was pulled back in a casual ponytail, combining a glamorous and simple style.
One of the most talked-about parts of her look was the glittery freckles on her face, which sparkled under the stadium lights.
Once her photos were shared online, people quickly voiced their opinions, which ranged from praise to criticism. One user joked, “I was wondering where my tablecloth [sic] went.” Another commenter criticized her boots, saying, “Bizarre boots!! They look awful on her.” Other comments included, “Is she dressed for football or a nightclub?” and “Grow up; she looks like a high school girl [sic].”
Many comments focused on her footwear, with remarks like, “She can’t walk in those boots. So dumb…” But other fans defended her, saying, “She’s a wonderful human and so talented!” Another fan chimed in, “She’s awesome. She’s looking pretty niiice [sic].” One user who wasn’t a big fan of Swift added, “Not exactly a fan…but loving her outfit!”
Her facial glitter also caught attention. One fan commented, “The face glitter? Are you kidding? She’s so cute!” Another said, “Taylor Swift makes the whole place shimmer.”
This isn’t the first time Swift has faced criticism for her outfits at Kelce’s games. Previously, on September 15, she attended a game wearing a red, oversized Kansas City Chiefs t-shirt as a mini dress, which fans labeled as “so trashy.” She paired it with thigh-high black leather boots, a black crossbody bag, and gold chains. Her signature hoop earrings and bold red lipstick completed her look, while her blonde hair fell in messy waves.
Swift made a fashion statement as she arrived and later cheered from the Chiefs’ VIP suite. While some fans loved her bold style, others were not impressed. One user questioned, “With all her money, that’s what she wears?”
More negative comments followed, with one saying, “Omg… again her outfit is so trashy… what’s happening to her?” Another remarked, “Looking like an old-fashioned street walker as usual.” Critics also pointed out that her outfit seemed out of place compared to other players’ wives and girlfriends, who wore more traditional game-day clothing. One commenter said, “She dresses like a teenager.”
Some wondered if her changing style was part of a strategy to gain publicity since her relationship with Kelce became public. “Her outfits are getting goofier. Does she really need the attention? Seems since Kelce, she’s all about PR,” wrote one user.
Critics said her style didn’t fit with the more traditional game-day outfits worn by the wives and girlfriends of other players. One commenter said, “She dresses like a teenager.” Some even wondered if her changing style was a way to get more attention since her relationship with Kelce became public. One person wrote, “Her outfits are getting goofier. Does she really need the attention? Seems since Kelce she’s all about PR.”
This wasn’t the first time Swift’s outfit at a game had sparked criticism. Back on September 15, 2024, she wore a red oversized Kansas City Chiefs tee to a game between the Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals. Some fans didn’t like how she turned the tee into a mini dress.
She paired the look with thigh-high black leather boots, a black crossbody bag, and gold chains. Hoop earrings and her bold red lipstick completed the outfit, while her blonde hair was styled in messy waves. She later cheered from the Chiefs’ VIP suite.
Some fans didn’t like this outfit either. One user asked, “With all her money, that’s what she wears?” Another said, “Omg… again her outfit is so trashy… what’s happening to her?” Some even compared her look to that of an “old-fashioned street walker.”
No matter what people think about her outfits, Swift continues to grab attention wherever she goes—on and off the football field.
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