New Law Would Force Spanish Children to Do Their Chores

Household chores are probably one of the only things that every child around the world can’t stand. But kids in Spain won’t just be annoying their parents if they complain about them if the government gets its way.

A proposed child-protection law in Spain would legally obligate children to help out around the house. That means means that if you pull a fast one, you just might get a pow-pow from the government.

“[Minors must] assist in caring for the home and in doing daily chores in accordance with their age and regardless of their gender,” reports Spain’s ABC newspaper.

As if this wasn’t punishment enough, these poor children are being told that they must respect their siblings, have a positive attitude towards learning in school and study as needed. The childhood protection bill was approved by Spain’s lower house of parliament on Friday, but is still awaiting approval from the Senate. Punishments for children not following the law are not outlined in the bill, but one can assume that the parents have it under control.

Housework disputes are a long-standing problem in the country. In fact, that a 2005 law compelled would-be husbands to chip in with half of the housework. Not complying could affect the terms of a divorce settlement, should it come to that point.

All of this makes me think of what my Cuban mom says when you give her a hard time about helping around the house. “Haz algo por la patria!,” she screams, meaning literally, to “do something for your homeland.”

Governments of the world, take heed: there is a way for converting idioms into law.

Daniel Rivero is a producer/reporter for Fusion who focuses on police and justice issues. He also skateboards, does a bunch of arts related things on his off time, and likes Cuban coffee.