every kid needs to understand that they have a responsibility for doing their part to make the household run. Show them you provide for their needs but they are expected to contribute in return, at some level appropriate for their age and ability level. An 11 year old is fully capable of walking the dog, feeding it, cleaning up after it, etc. You praise them when they do a good job and correct them when they need it. That's how they learn personal responsibility, being part of a team, pride in their work, etc. Seems to me your method just teaches them to do things only when there's something in it for them.