For a long time, I cleaned up after my 11-year-old son instead of waiting for him to do his chores. The requests for him to tidy his toys, make his bed, or bring dishes to the sink often fell on deaf ears. As an exhausted single mom, it felt easier to do it myself rather than nag him. However, a recent back injury forced us both into a new reality—one where he must take on more responsibility. Out of necessity, he has learned to clean his room, do his dishes, and even take on more complex tasks like loading the dishwasher. This shift has ignited a desire in me to ensure he learns these vital skills as preparation for adulthood. It’s become clear that all those years of doing his chores were an act of love that, paradoxically, hindered his growth. Now, my focus is on teaching him the importance of these daily routines; chores he will carry into his own future household. It’s time for him to understand that taking care of oneself is foundational for independence, and that love is also reflected in the ability to manage life’s responsibilities.