New law requires kids to do their fair share of housework and 'take a positive attitude' to schoolwork
Monday, May 5, 2014 @ 2:55 PM
KIDS and husbands who do not help out with the cleaning and cooking could face legal action thanks to a new Royal Decree passed in Spanish Parliament.
In a drive for 'full equality' and to help women get back into the job market, children aged 18 or under who have not left home are expected to assist with domestic chores as they are legally obliged to 'participate in all aspects of family life'.
The exact text says they are 'jointly responsible' for 'caring for the home and carrying out housework', and that this is irrespective of 'age or gender' – although a minimum age has not been placed on this new requirement, leaving it open to speculation as to whether or not babies or toddlers who are too young to pick up a duster could be exempt.
Children, under the draft bill of law, are required to 'treat their parents and teachers with respect' and to 'take a positive attitude' towards their schoolwork. This said, nowhere in the draft law are sanctions for kids who are rude to grown-ups, lazy around the house and do little work in class explained – and enforcing the law could be difficult anyway, since in the event of civil 'offences', minors' parents are legally liable for their actions. It could lead to the bizarre situation of parents being fined because their own children are impolite to them or leave them to do all the cleaning and ironing.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com