Chores and allowance?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-08-2004
Chores and allowance?
3
Sun, 11-13-2005 - 12:03am
I'm just wondering how you all handle chores and allowance (if you're comfortable posting that).
I have 3yo and 8 yo girls. Thier chores are to clean thier room everyday (rarely happens, LOL) take thier plates to the sink after eating, pick up thier toys etc, from the living room (also rarely happens) clean up any other mess they make, and once a week they clean the chairs and pedestal (no legs, a big post thingy in the middle) that our kitchen table is on, and also once a week change thier sheets, vacuum, wash windows in thier room. Obviously, DH and I have to "help", LOL. And they have to do any other chores they're given.
We use a marble jar, they earn a marble for each good thing they do -chores, good behavior, etc. Each marble is worth one penny for each year of thier age - my 3yo gets 3 cents each, my 8yo gets 8 cents each.
My problem is that just doesn't seem like enough if we expect them to buy thier own treats and such. My 3yo is lucky to make enough in a week to buy a candy bar. And they don't make enough to put any into savings (supposed to save 50%). I'm considering "giving" them a small allowance, maybe $1 or $2, plus earning marbles for chores and such. It just seems they're not making enough to learn what I want them to about $$. OTOH, I know DH wouldn't ever go along with this - we can't afford to give too much more, and I don't want to overdo it either, I want them to earn more than they're given, KWIM?
Just wondering how you all handle this and what you think. Any feedback is appreciated TIA

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Sun, 11-13-2005 - 10:40am

It is so great to see a post from you!


Here is how I handle this. In a weeks time I am willing to pay my kids no more than 10 dollars all together in allowance. I have a belletin board and I use post it notes to post jobs. A post it note could say something like


"Wanted, One person to rake all leaves in side yard-Job will pay $1.50 upon completion" I will have several jobs listed in a week that do not total more than ten dollars. The kids have to apply for the job and convince me they will get it done. My little one of course has to have the jobs read to him but even though he is four he totally gets it

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2004
Mon, 11-14-2005 - 8:01pm
I give my 6 year old a allowance. I give him about $1-2 a week for doing all of his chores everyday.
He is to make his bed, brush his teeth, a bath and then clean his room

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-08-2004
Mon, 11-14-2005 - 10:11pm
Thanks to both of you for your replies. I haven't decided what I'll do yet, but I'll come back and let you know!