Are you worried that your kid not doing their choices means they're never going to be responsible?

I saw a social media post referencing a Harvard study that claims that kids who do chores grow up to be more successful—and the minute I read it I thought, "But what happens if I can't get my kid to do chores?! The study seems to affirm our deepest sense of responsibility to help our kids be good people and prepare them for the real world. But if you’ve got a teen who refuses to empty the dishwasher or  who never puts away their laundry, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. And it’s easy to wonder—am I messing this up?

In this episode, I break down what the research actually says—and what it doesn’t. You’ll learn why chores alone don’t build long-term success, and how the pressure to enforce responsibility can push you and your teen further apart.

More importantly, I’ll show you what does work: how connection, trust, and emotional consistency are what truly help teens take ownership of their choices. And how shifting your own mindset can turn power struggles into opportunities for growth.

If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of nagging, second-guessing, or trying to “make” your teen responsible, this episode will help you refocus—not on the chore chart, but on the relationship that matters most.

💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your teen, join me for my next free masterclass: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected]. 

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.