The boys were snacking with Grandma Hattie but she was wondering if Willie did his chores.

Then Willie asked, “Grandma, may I go to Orrie’s when we finish our snack? He has new computer games and he invited me to come see them.”

Grandma asked,”Did you finish your chores?”

Willie said,”No mam, but I will later, when I get back from Orrie’s.” Grandma Hattie answered, saying,”Willie that’s what you told me yesterday when I asked you to put your toys away, empty the waste paper basket in your room and hang your clothes up. You still haven’t done it  and your cousin is coming for a sleep over in your room tomorrow night.”

Willie got all red in the face and said, “I hate chores. Why do I have to do chores anyway? I bet Orrie doesn’t have to do chores!”

Then it was Orrie’s turn to get red in the face. Orrie sputtered and said, “Hey Willie, don’t think that just because I use a wheelchair I don’t do my fair share of chores at home because I do! I fold my laundry when it comes out of the wash and put it away. I dust my room with a big dusting wand. I empty my waste basket in the main trash can in the kitchen.”

Then Hector chimed in, saying, “I have to do chores every day. I have to keep my room neat. I even clean off the table after dinner at night.”

These were not the answers Willie wanted to hear.

Grandma used the time to talk about chores. “Hector, Orrie, do you think it is fair to have to do chores?”

Orrie answered, “My mom says that we are a family and everyone in the family needs to take responsibility for helping around the house.” Hector added, “My mom works outside of the house all day and then comes home and cooks for us. She needs some help.”

Grandma had another question,”What about your taking care of your rooms?”

“Oh, that’s an easy one,” said Hector, “It’s my room, I messed it, I should clean it up.” Orrie nodded yes. He feels the same way.

Willie was still fighting the idea of chores. He said,”I bet you both get an allowance for doing chores.”

Hector and Orrie shook their heads and Orrie answered,”Nope, I do chores because their my responsibility, because I live in the house, because doing my fair share is expected of me.”

Hector nodded and said, “I get an allowance for spending money. It has nothing to do with chores. I get it if I behave properly, do my homework as I am supposed to and get good grades. I can earn more money if I do extra chores.”

Willie asked to be excused. Grandma wanted to know where he was going. Willie answered, “To clean my room. Orrie, thanks for the invite, but my room is a mess. Can I see the game some other time?”

Grandma smiled. Hector turned to Orrie and said, “Can I see the game? I don’t have any chores until after dinner.” Orrie spun his chair around. He and Hector helped grandma clear the table. Then they each gave her a big hug and a thank you and off they went.

Do you do your chores when you are asked to do them?