My kids are getting old enough that they want to earn money, but not old enough to have "real" jobs. We don't give them an allowance, just never got around to making it a regular part of our routine. Besides, we never have cash on hand. We use our Debit card most of the time. So, I did some thinking. Right now, as kids 12 and under, their job is learning how to live. How to be responsible, preparing for adulthood. I get paid to do my job, so why shouldn't they? So, while I've gone back and forth about household jobs, I've now decided that I'm okay with paying them for doing jobs around the house. So, being the visual person that I am, I made a chart:
When they have completed a job, I go back and check it, then give them credit for it. In the beginning it requires some teaching. My 8 year old wanted some money, so he chose cleaning the bathroom, a higher value chore. I have a list of how to clean it, but had to go back and show him what I meant for each area. I still gave him full credit since he was learning, but next time hope he'll be able to do more without me pointing out the dirty floor. Incidentally, he was grossed out by the pee that he had never before noticed on the floor. Perhaps he'll be more careful!
The other piece of this is that I still don't have cash. So, I have a notebook that I use to record their jobs and income/expenses. If they need cash I'll come up with it, but for the most part, they still shop with me, so I can just debit their account as needed. I'm sure the chart will be adjusted as the summer goes, but so far, it's working!
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