Spain May Make Its Kids Do Chores

Is it a daily battle to get your kids to do their chores? You may want to move to Spain, where parliament on Friday approved a bill that would make children legally obliged to do housework—and more, BBC News reports. If the bill becomes law, those under the age of 18 will be expected to participate in family life, respect their parents and siblings, and perform household duties "in accordance with their age and regardless of their gender," according to The Local. The mandates extend to the schoolyard as well: Minors will also be legally bound to study, respect teachers, and "maintain a positive attitude" in the classroom.

Though the government has yet to outline specific penalties for disobedient kids (and Parentdish notes there may not be any), this bill isn't necessarily an empty threat: BBC News reported in 2005 that, thanks to a then-new law, married Spanish men actually faced legal sanctions for refusing to do their share of the housework. Whatever may be in store for unruly Spanish children, improved safety may be part of the country's vision—this law is just part of a wider child protection bill that would see the creation of a list of pedophiles who aren't allowed to work with kids. (More Spain stories.)