My parents viewed chores as part of living in the household. I asked for an allowance once and my dad said the food that showed up in the pantry every week was my allowance.

My dad also used chores as a way to build discipline, and teach lessons. I remember washing the cars one time and doing a really crappy job. He made me completely wash them again. Do something right the first time.

Helping him with his side jobs like cutting firewood or picking oysters showed me what physically hard work looked like. It also showed me how to do things I don't want to do, but that need to get done. This came in handy while studying in college, and is a lesson that has helped whatever success I have ever had.

Chores are one way to teach kids how to be successful when they become adults.