I have discovered one sure-fire way to get kids to help around the house without resorting to yelling, threatening, or bringing Dr. Spock psychology into the picture. Find a lost kitty.

I give you Cali the Calico.  (Original, I know…)

She was abandoned with her brothers and sisters in some woods along a deserted road.  The other kittens were saved but Cali eluded the rescuers for weeks.  Until I came along with a soft voice and a can of cat food.  (Just call me the cat whisperer)…

Now I’d like to find another home for her and – in fact – have found not one, but TWO takers.  But I’m out-voted in the family.  Instead I say, “If you want to keep Cali then I need to see some more personal responsibility.  Go feed the dogs!  Clean up your room!”

And the work is getting done.  Maybe I will let this cat stay.