Why is it 'Wrong' to Teach Kids Responsibility?

One of my favorite mom blogs is written by Dawn Meehan - Because I Said So. She posted awhile back about the responses she received from her readers about her having her older children help pick up the younger children's toys. Apparently, some of the readers were appalled that Ms. Meehan would have her older kids help the younger kids out. I completely, utterly and thoroughly do not understand that opinion.

Why isn't it OK to teach kids responsibility?

Why isn't it OK to have kids help with chores?

Why isn't it OK to teach kids to help each other out?

In my opinion, Ms. Meehan was completely right to ask her olders to help the youngers out. American society, in general has really lost most important aspect of family which is that families are supposed to function as a team. No, families don't get along ALL of the time, but we are all supposed to pitch in and help each other out.

Our society is so wierdly kid-centered: parents work hard and then give their kids everything and anything they want.  Often times to relieve the guilt not being able to spend alot of time with their kids (Can we say viscious cycle?). WHY?  As a result, a lot of kids these days are just overly self-involved and self-centered.  No, I'm not some 60 year old, complaining about "whipper-snappers".  Working in a fast food restaurant for 12 years supplied a huge amount of teenagers for me to observe. 

Kids need limits, boundaries and responsibilities!!!

When I was 5, I was standing on a chair, washing dishes every night after dinner.
When I was 12, I made at least one dinner a week.
As I grew older, I was responsible for doing my own laundry.
When I was 16, I bought my own gas and car insurance - and car.
I was responsible for sweeping, mopping and cleaning the bathroom regularly.

As a result, I learned that satisfaction and self-esteem can be gained from a job well done.  I also learned that the things that are most important require hard work to achieve.  Shame on my Mom for instilling a healthy work ethic in me and my brother! 

My olders, who are 8 and 6, are responsible for helping around the house. They have to clean their room about once a week. They clean the youngers' toys up once in a while. They have set the table. My son helps shovel snow and he cleans the litter box. They help clean walls, windows and scrub floors. And they make their beds every day.

In working within our family as a team - Mom and Dad are the coaches, as well as players.  I hope to instill in my children a sense of responsibility, ownership and family values.