Who wants a clean house? Clearly, not my kids. 
Or maybe they just want a clean house as long as they don't have to help clean it.
To hear my children tell it, I'm torturing them by making them do chores. The youngest one is the worst. Although he will cheerfully swish Comet around the bowl of a toilet until the foam threatens to overflow (leaving the rest of the toilet to be cleaned by someone else), he loses it when asked to carry bottles to the recycling bin or pick up the lacrosse sticks, tennis balls and light sabers that he and his friends leave strewn around the back porch. The only thing that gets him moving at that point is the sight of me with a Hefty bag in my hand.
I'm no neat freak--I'll settle happily for "reasonably sanitary and fairly tidy." My daughter delights in writing graffiti in the dust on the dining-room sideboard. (Mom made me do all the dusting as a child, so I rebel by neglecting it now). Being pragmatic, I know that I could do the cleaning (even the dusting) and the picking up of toys and sports equipment in less time and with far less aggravation than when I force my children into slavery ask them to help me. But being a parent, I know that I need to make myself obsolete. The kids need to learn how to cook, clean, do laundry, manage money and do simple repairs, so they can become responsible adults and run their own households.
COUPON TIME
You'll clean up with these great savings on everything for your home.
15% off orders of $35 or more at CarolWrightGifts.com 
Use coupon code B2SCHL during checkout.
Valid through: September 2, 2009
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$5 off an order of $50 or more at Kmart.com 
In your shopping cart enter coupon code KMART5OFF50.
Valid through: September 27, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupons.
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Up to $20 off with Click-and-Save Coupons at Solutions.com 
Use this link to access eligible items. The coupon code appears on the item pages.
Valid through: August 27, 2009
While supplies last.
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10% off your order at Brylane Home 
Enter code BHASUMMER2 in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: September 30, 2009
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Use this link to activate the coupon code. Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: August 31, 2009
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$20 off a purchase of $100 or more at AceHardware.com 
Use code MCACE20 in the promotion/discount code box at checkout.
Valid through: August 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
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