What happens when a mum posts a video of tidying her teenager’s messy bedroom? Internet outrage. Some called it enabling. Others said it was love. In this episode, Dr Justin and Kylie cut through the noise and answer the real question: should parents be tidying their teens’ rooms - or teaching responsibility another way? You’ll discover what really matters when it comes to chores, gratitude, and raising kids who contribute at home without constant conflict.

KEY POINTS:

• Why social media turned a simple act of love into a war of opinions
• The difference between helping your teen and enabling them
• How chores build gratitude, contribution, and teamwork
• Why kids don’t always see what parents do—and why that’s normal
• Practical ways to reset chores without the constant nagging
• The surprising truth: sometimes it’s okay to just tidy up

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“The most important principle isn’t who cleans the room—it’s that everyone contributes.”

RESOURCES:

• Mom tidies teen's room each morning, prompting a fascinating debate  | Upworthy
• I am Not the Maid – How to get 5 Star Service from the Kids at Home | HF Article
• My 13-Year-Old Doesn’t Pick up a Single Thing| HF Article
• Developmental Milestones [Introduction] | HF Article

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Call a short family meeting to reset chores and responsibilities.
2. Use the explore–explain–empower method to get kids involved in deciding tasks.
3. Focus on gratitude and contribution—not perfection.
4. And if you tidy their room sometimes? That’s okay. Just don’t post it on social media.

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter