Last year we had a slumber party for my 11 y/o son. In the morning, we had a "cereal buffet" and one of the kids(11 years old, mind you) asked me to pour the milk on his cereal because he didn't know how...ahhhhh! REALLY? So, needless to say, he left my house having learned a new life skill. I've always told my boys(15 and 11) that I want them to be able to complete any household chore so that they do not have to depend upon someone else to do it( and so their future wives don't despise me : ). One thing I wasn't when I was growing up was spoiled. Loved? Absolutely! I think many parents think those two have to go hand in hand. I hope that I am raising my children so that they can be self sufficient and realize that Mom will help those who help themselves. : )