Kids, chores and the whole allowance thing.
Gosh it’s hard work trying to get my boys to help out around the house. It really is much easier just to do it myself sometimes. But of course that’s not a great idea either and so I’m forever trying different ways to encourage them to pull their weight.
The following system is working well for us (at the moment anyway).
- ~ My boys have their “Everyday Chores” which they should do without being asked…. make their beds, lay clothes neatly, pick up towels, keep their rooms tidy, pack up the table after dinner, generally pick-up after themselves, take out recycle, feed the dog and fish, etc. They do not get allowance for this.
- ~ Also, each (well most) mornings I write their name and a job on a post-it-note, this is their ‘Daily Chore”. It may be…. unpack dishwasher, put a load of washing on, vacuum a room or two, sweep back patio, clean back windows, water plants, sweep pool edges, dust, etc. They do get an allowance for doing these chores but….
- ~ Should they not get their “Daily Chore” done that day (I refuse to remind them more than once) the post-it-note goes onto the fridge untill it’s done.
- ~ Come the weekend if there are any post-it-notes left on the fridge those jobs must be done before the fun begins.
- ~ Sunday is “Allowance Day”. If ALL chores are completed they receive an amount equivelent to their age.
- ~ I do encourage them to save half (we do school banking and I match what they deposit) and spend half.
- ~ If they want something they have to save and can only use half whats in their bank accounts.
This works for me mainly because 1. I only have to be on their case one day a week instead of every day, 2. They have some control over when they do their chores, 3. They’re learning that they do have responsibilities within the family and household but also being rewarded for doing extra, 4. They’re learning to goal set and what it’s like to reach them, 5. It’s easy to implement, 6. I don’t have to do E V E R Y T H I N G.
Love to hear your ideas and strategies.
