Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Sharna Burgess revealed her take on children doing household chores in an interview with Peta Murgatroyd for her podcast, “The Penthouse with Peta.” She also spoke about how she had been inspired by Paris Jackson‘s comments about earning things in Michael Jackson’s household.
Sharna Burgess Reveals How Paris Jackson Inspired Her
GettyBurgess spoke about chores and the importance of having them, but revealed that her family was considering changing how her children are paid for cleaning, because she believes that basic cleaning, like tidying up after dinner or folding laundry, should be done in the household without reward, as it is part of life. “It’s teamwork,” she said. “We’re switching it now … I listened to Paris Jackson talking … Michael Jackson used to do this in their household. If she wanted a new toy, it was like ‘OK, read a book.’”
Burgess shared why she feels this is such a great idea, saying, “Knowledge is currency, knowledge is power. Knowledge is something beautiful to gain. So, alright, so if you want something, read a book, and then talk to me about that book, and we’ll go and get you a toy.”
Burgess commented that the exchange was not about earning money, but noted how Paris “had to work to earn.” This is something the dancer believes is an important lesson for children. Murgatroyd agreed that this was an excellent idea, saying, “Love it.”
Burgess is engaged to Brian Austin Green and the pair have a blended family, parenting Green’s three children from his previous relationship with Megan Fox, and they share a son, Zane. The actor is also a father to an adult child, Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green, whom he shares with his ex, Vanessa Marcil.
Michael Jackson’s Clever Parenting Tip
GettyMichael passed away in 2009, leaving behind his three children: Prince Jackson, Paris, and Bigi Jackson. The musician shared Prince and Paris with his ex, Debbie Rowe, and Bigi was born via surrogate.
The comments Burgess is referring to were made by Paris in a 2011 interview on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube series, “No Filter.” “My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured, making sure we were educated, and not just showing us, like, the glitz and glam — like hotel hopping, five-star places,” Jackson told Campbell.
She also discussed how they earned things. “If we wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, we had to read five books. It’s earning it, not just being entitled to certain things or thinking, ‘Oh, I got this.’ It’s like working for it, working hard for it, it’s something else entirely, it’s an accomplishment.”
