Does 'gentle parenting' mean you have to be a soft touch?

HERE'S a little quiz for you. If you asked your child or grandchild to locate the dishwasher tablets under the sink, would they know what to look for?

- SUSAN LEE

Parentkind, who spoke to 6,000 families with youngsters aged between four and 18.

It found that just 44% of kids in those households helped with tasks around the home.

There were regional variations - the number was higher in London for instance - but in the main it seems the younger generation is allergic to doing the dishes or running the Hoover around.

If asked them to fetch the mop, would you get a blank stare?

If you answered yes to the above, you're not alone. According to a new survey, fewer than half of UK children under 15 help with household chores.