We all know chores teach important life lessons, so most of us try to induce our kids to do them — and are surprised when the recycling bin overflows or a shortage of clean socks brings life to a standstill. A quick survey of parents turned up many once-promising systems that succumbed to real-life conditions, and one universal truth: The amount of parental initiative required to impel one child to do one chore is approximately twice the energy required to actually complete the chore.

That said, some guidelines:

SUIT THE CHORE TO THE CHILD
Take into account not only age but individual temperament: If one child loves being outside, another in, be sure to give the right kid the rake.

DON'T LIMIT LIFE TO SCUT WORK
They'll take more delight in having iced a cake beautifully than having cleaned out the front hall closet.

REAL "REAL LIFE" LESSONS
If you're inclined to pay your children to do chores, try setting a maximum weekly sum to be earned, then deduct for jobs left undone.

NEVER NAG
When all else fails, set the timer for 20 minutes, turn on some music, and announce that everyone will be cleaning up their rooms until the timer goes off.

KEEP ENFORCEMENT SIMPLE
Forget color-coded wall charts and daily schedules unless your name is von Trapp. Maintain a daily chore list.

Some age-appropriate chores:

4-6 Pick up toys, shelve video collection, clean television and computer screens, help feed pets.

7-10 Make beds, set table, water plants, clean out the refrigerator, sort recyclables.

11 UNTIL COLLEGE Load and unload dishwasher, do their own laundry, cook dinner one night a week, close door to private quarters when leaving for the day.

POSTGRADUATE Bring home the bacon.