I'm not going to lie. Our house is a mess. My husband and I work long hours and have little time to do common chores. On top of the I have recently had shoulder surgery and cannot use my right, dominant arm. My 14 year old son has been asked to pitch in and help more around the house. In fact, for months we have tried communicate with both our sons (the other is 9) how important it is to help keep the house cleaned up. Our older son is indignant about doing any chores and argues that if he didn't make the mess then he shouldn't have to clean it up. One the one hand we understand his argument, but on the other we want for him to learn the deeper value of contributing to the welfare of our home and family. We have said over, and over, and over that we need his (and his brother's) help because we can't do it by ourselves. He is offended and indigent that we ask him to clean up any "mess" he hasn't made himself. On top of that he loudly complains about how messy the house is and how much he hates living in a messy house. But he refuses to help! Please help me find a constructive way to communicate the value of contributing to the household?
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