I agree with this. My family has had a very difficult two years and I had let a lot of things slide. We're on the fourth week of my buckling down and getting firm (even strict) with our kids about school, chores, etc. I went through Fred's course on the 30 Minute Homeschool and that helped me a lot...
I have a 16yo who is not doing well. He's surly, sulky, and immature. He's behind in math and his writing skills are poor. He reads amazingly fast but his comprehension leaves much to be desired.
At his last therapy appointment (2 weeks into this), our family counselor asked me, "what did you do? He's more engaged and talkative than I've ever seen him?" He's also doing chores - making his bed, washing dishes... it has NOT been easy - he is a power struggler for sure - but if I say "go split wood" he now says "okay."
...I told him to go finish the tacos (my 14yo son had made the meat) for lunch the other day and while he looked shocked, he said "yes ma'am" and got up and did it. This is a kid who would do literally nothing around the house. We still have a LONG way to go, trust me... Kristen B. (from FB, name withheld to protect the son ;-)