Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Child labor rocks

My children have been receiving a weekly allowance since they were 3 years old. Jeff and I agreed that Alex and Jami would have to use their own money to purchase "extras" they yearned for. We foot the bill for food and clothes, cause we're good parents like that.
Our goal is to teach our children to manage money and realize that they can only buy items that they can actually afford. No money, no toy (or whatever). It is very important to us that we raise our children to be financially responsible adults.
At 3 years old, their chores were limited. But now, oh the glory of their chore capability now! It has come in particularly handy of late, because I am super-swamped with painting, staining, etc at the house.
Alex cooks breakfast now, saving me at least 10-15 minutes in the morning. They are both dishwashers, hallelujah, so that chore is also crossed off my list. Add to that vacuuming, dusting, making beds and pretty much anything that doesn't involve cleaning products. I don't want them exposed to all those toxins, cause I'm a good parent like that.
And the best part is...they don't even complain because they are so excited to make money! They each get $4 a week. Oh, my friends, I am getting such a bargain for only $8 a week.
And I saved the best for last...guess what chore I added to their list this week? Giving mommy a back massage! Yep, that's right. Two maids and two massage therapists for only $8 a week. Makes a mama proud, I tell ya...
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10 comments:

  1. Post came jus tin time to get dreative for Jacob's chore list - thanks!!

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  2. Good for you. I also made my boys do their own laundry from about age 12 onward. I think it is a life skill.
    Glad you like my blog name. I do get a lot of feedback on it. Thanks for your visit.

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  3. That's awesome! I love the fact that my stepson can pull weeds and mow the lawn. Not only does he like to mow, but he likes to get an allowance.

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  4. This is excellent! I love the idea of teaching my children the value of work and money. My oldest turns 3 this summer and I thought that would be too young to start him doing chores, but after reading this, maybe it isn't for very simple things.

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  5. Genius!! I will have to begin training my grandsons!! :)

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  6. You are a good mommy! What a blessing that you are teaching your children money management - maybe we can sign congress up for lessons!

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  7. I have a 14 year old and a 3 year old (both girls). I have yet to give the 3 year old an allowence but I need to think about doing it.

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  8. When I saw the title of this post I thought maybe you were having another baby? I'm a little tired. So my oldest is three, I guess I better start now, huh?

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