Tough Love: What are the limits?

If your husband doesn't want to enforce the chores, perhaps he wouldn't mind doing them? Otherwise, he needs to realize that just like he doesn't want to do all that extra work - neither do you! You need help, and that's what families do - they all work together for the benefit of the family. In your children's case this means chores. Not only does this help you out short term, it teaches a positive work ethic, and also teaches your child about responsibility.

We are not always rewarded for our efforts. We take care of our responsibilities because they are our responsibilities. Pay is nice. But sometimes a job needs to be done just because it needs to be done. Just like in real life, I suggest penalties if their responsibilities are not taken care of. In my house this usually equates to me saying no one goes outside, plays video games, or otherwise has free time until their responsibilities (chores and homework) are taken care of. As long as your chores are reasonable and age-appropriate (and it sounds like yours are) then there should be no reason they should not be getting done.

My question would be, what are the penalties for failure to do chores?  While there should be rewards for good behavior, they are reinforced if there is a negative consequence for failure.  Also, are the chores appropriate?  Are the kids required to clean their rooms?  If they fail to do so, cutting TV or video game time might get their attention.