MalloryKeaton

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/news/biz...sn_strike.html

Striking Parents Move Iinto Tent To Get Lazy Kids To Do Chores

By The Associated Press
(12/08/04 - DELTONA, FL) — Even though the dishes, garbage and dirty laundry were piling up, homeowners Cat and Harlan Barnard were getting no help from their two children.

After begging and pleading with their 17-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter to help out around the house, the Barnards decided they were fed up. So they went on strike -- and moved out to the front yard.

"This was our last-ditch effort," Cat Barnard said.

Since Monday morning, the Barnards have lived in a tent in their front yard, going inside the house only to use the restroom or shower. The couple sits on lawn chairs and roasts marshmallows over a hibachi.

Their children were confused on the first day when they came home from school. "It's extremely inconvenient," said their son, Ben Barnard. "Every time the phone rings, we have to run outside to give it to them."

Whether the couple's actions could be regarded as abandonment depends on how much guidance the parents are still providing and "if the children are suffering as a result," said Carrie Hoeppner, a spokeswoman with the Department of Children & Families in Orange County.

But Cat Barnard says the strike may already be paying dividends. She noted that her daughter washed her own clothes for the first time on Tuesday.

"This is war," Cat Barnard said. "I love my babies, but I don't like what they're doing."

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

Butterflyz

I hope my mum doesn't see this.

Jadiee

Probably should have been done to me >_> I still dont wash clothes...

LittleMilkJug

They should have thought about it before hand. Kids should be given little chores to do around the house like mine do. It makes them feel more responsible for the house. I do have to clean up after their 'cleaning' sometimes though

smoothaise

WOW
Crazy parenting techniques!

SweetLisaLisa

Did they not give these children chores to do when they were younger to get them to learn? You gotta start young, even if it's little things. That's how they are taught. But to be 17 years old and no help at all.

-Kelly-

This aired in Australia I saw the news of it
I think it's awesome, great idea

Lovesbitch

I actually think it's kinda bitchy and immature of the parents.

No1important

I agree.

I think when the kids were younger and started on chores they would not be in this mess. Kids want to help when they are younger but parents usually discourage them because they dont want kids in the way, and want to get it done sooner. Kids then listen to parents complain about chores when they are growing up , so naturally when they are teenagers they do not want to do chores. You have to get kids started on chores when they are little and want to help, even if it slows the parents down a bit. Try to make chores "fun" and a "family" event, and things will go smoother.

So if anyones little or young kids want to help mommy or daddy vaccum for example, let them as it will save head aches when they are older. Plus kids need to learn these life skills to function as an adult and of course teach their children.

Kids learn from example (parents) my two cents.

Lovesbitch

yep, and these parents are kinda showing there kids that when things get stuff they should just give up and leave.

-Kelly-

They said they tried teaching the kids, but they're bone lazy.

Lovesbitch

I don't really think that's an excuse to pack up and move into the lawn.

Maybe the kids aren't learning anything because of there parents. I'm sorry but these don't seem like the most mature parents.

No1important

Kids learn the most at home so it appears they are following their parents example. When it gets tough--- give up.

Some example they are. I think social services should look into the parents and remove kids if necessary. The kids are both under 18 and it is the parents responsibility to take care of them and obviously they are not.

This type of "punishment" or "strike" as they call it has been proven in effective many times. Even though they are camping out on their front lawn they still have abandoned their kids which proves how irresponsible they really are.

I saw on the news when the kids came home the mother did not even acknowledge them. As far as I am concerned they are committing child abuse. But it just goes to prove some people should not have kids.

Lovesbitch

Yeah, I still don't know how social services isn't all over this.

Mio

That's freaking AWESOME! I think a 17 year old should be able to do his laundry, wash dishes and take out the garbage. I've been doing this all since I was 12.

Now on the otherhand, maybe my parents need to strike so my sister will clean up after herself. She's 15 and only does her laundry maybe twice every month, the other times she's getting my mom to do so.