American boys and girls do the same number of chores, but not the same kinds of chores, according to a survey in the March/April is sue of Zillions, the Consumer Reports magazine for kids.

According to the survey of 1,000 children, gender roles continue to apply in the assigning of tasks. Boys mowed lawns and took out the trash more, while girls dominated in caring for younger siblings, meal preparation and housecleaning.

All children surveyed did at least one chore weekly, and more than half performed five or more.

Room-cleaning was most common, followed by pet care; least common were laundry and dusting.

Finally, fewer than half received payment; chore-related allowances averaged, for both boys and girls, $5 to $6.

Pub Date: 3/09/99