I am home today with a very sick son. He has that croup like cough that sounds like a bark. He is currently sleeping on the couch with our 20 pound cat keeping him warm. I was nervous to put him in his crib upstairs in case he stated coughing or crying. It is the crying that seems to aggravate his cough. I had to pry myself off of the couch to get some things done. The thought of laying back down with him and taking a nap myself is very tempting but I really have a lot I should do.
So, I have a 7 year old daughter who is a bit of a slob. Her room is a disaster and she tends to make the rest of the house messy too. I was thinking of creating a chore chart for her and paying her an allowance. I have heard that you shouldn't pay kids for things that they should be doing anyways, like making their bed. I don't know if I agree with that as she doesn't make her bed now and it would be nice if she did. My thought is to give her a list of 3-5 things a day to do and pay her a quarter for each thing she does. She would have the potential to make 1.25/day which I don't think is too much. What do you guys think? Those of you with kids, do you pay them an allowance and if so how much?
Allowances for kids?
November 17th, 2007 at 10:14 am
November 17th, 2007 at 10:25 am
(Before anyone says it, YES, she does donate a portion of her money to charity. But we don't tie this to her allowance either.)
As for chores, Mini Me is an outright slob. I give her one warning and anything left lying on the floor becomes mine. I'm thinking of taking it up a notch when she's a little older (she's 7 now) and giving her the chance to buy back her stuff. But we aren't there yet.
November 19th, 2007 at 09:06 am
You need to know what makes her tick. Mine is not motivated by money too much yet. She however, loves particular toys (horsey stuff), girly things, easy bake oven mixes.
SOOOO,
1. Make the job chart but the reward needs to be a perfect fit!! Wrap up rewards like a present, and watch it work!
2. You must be very consistent with checking things off the chart with her. She will very doubtful remember or self start to do it herself!! This is going to be some work and time commitment on your part, sorry.
3. No more than 3 things a day!! You can increase more after 2 successful weeks.
I did a job chart for my kids very much younger. Time is passing by quick, you should get a routine underway now!
Other ways to get her to keep picked up--
'Mom can you get out the paint/craft/game?' Yes, after the shoes are put in the closet (make it one specific chore)
'Mom can I go to play over Susie's?' Yes, let's call her just as soon as the bed is made.
She is most likely asking you things all day long. Give her whatever it is upon her doing one thing. Yes, this is going to take a couple years. Don't give up.
Use really big incentives for bigger jobs, birthday party invites, sleepovers, you know.
GOod luck and feel free to contact me for more!
November 19th, 2007 at 09:22 am