Kids' allowances

MareCat · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 693

Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?

We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those things
when we ask her to do them)--for starters.

Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
others give their kids.

Mary
--
Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)

Archived from group: alt>infertility>parenting

Jamie Clark · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 5208

Allowance is one of those issues that people have really different views on.
Some people say that allowance should not be for doing chores and things
around the house, like keeping your room clean, or making your bed, or
clearing the table, that those are your responsibility as a family member.
Some people say that you shouldn't give an allowance at all, that you
shouldn't get paid to be a member of the family. After all, Mom doesn't get
paid. Instead, they would say that you should offer small jobs or extra
chores, like folding laundry, or washing the car, or feeding the cat, etc.
as a way for the child to earn money. Things that they are not normally
required to do.

I don't know what I think, and I know dh and I aren't on the same page yet.

But, at this age, $1 a week sounds pretty fair.

I think almost more important than how much to give, is the concept of what
will she do with it, and what should you require of her -- for example, how
much, if any, should automatically go into her bank account for college or a
car or wedding, etc, how much, if any, into her piggy bank for a large scale
toy/item that she may want, and how much, if any, can she spend at will --
buying candy or toys at Target or the Dollar Store or something. Should a
certain percentage go to charity or to help the needy? For example, she
could drop a quarter into the March of Dimes container at the grocery store.
Or she could save it separately to buy a present at Christmas for a needy
child.

Finally, the last important aspect that I can think of is the concept/theory
of the money -- is it HER money to do with as she pleases? Or does she need
to get your approval before she makes a purchase. This is an important one
to consider, because as they get older, they may want to buy clothes or
music that you don't approve of, and if you've always made them feel that it
was their money to spend how they chose, then it's harder to change that
idea. You say that they can't have an XYZ Box, but the go out and buy one
for themselves, with "their" money. But, if you've always made it clear
that while it's their money, they only have the luxury of "their money"
because you spend YOUR money on mortgage, electricity, TV, groceries,
clothes, insurance, gas, etc, then it's easier to enforce having a say on
what they spend it on.

I know this may seem like overkill when talking about an allowance for a 5
year old, but trust me, in the blink of an eye our 5 year olds are going to
be 10, then 15, etc. I think this is one of those issues that you really
have to think long and hard about the BIG picture, so that you get started
on the right foot!

I'll be very interested in reading everyone elses responses!
--

Jamie
Earth Angels:
Taylor Marlys -- 01/03/03
Addison Grace -- 09/30/04

Check out the family -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clark_Guest1, Password:
guest
Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up your own User ID and
Password

"MareCat" wrote in message @comcast.com...
> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>
> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
> helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>
> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
> others give their kids.
>
> Mary
> --
> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>

MareCat · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 693

You're right, Jamie--a lot of stuff to consider! Tasks like cleaning her
room we just expect her to do, with or without an allowance. But fetching me
diapers or taking bottles to the babies or things like that are above and
beyond, and if we start adding chores for her to do, we're thinking she
should be compensated for it, even if just a little. It'll be a good way to
teach her about earning money and saving it (she has a piggy bank that
contains a few coins right now, and she's very interested in the concept of
saving money).

Mary
--
Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)

"Jamie Clark" wrote in message @comcast.com...
> Allowance is one of those issues that people have really different views
> on. Some people say that allowance should not be for doing chores and
> things around the house, like keeping your room clean, or making your bed,
> or clearing the table, that those are your responsibility as a family
> member. Some people say that you shouldn't give an allowance at all, that
> you shouldn't get paid to be a member of the family. After all, Mom
> doesn't get paid. Instead, they would say that you should offer small
> jobs or extra chores, like folding laundry, or washing the car, or feeding
> the cat, etc. as a way for the child to earn money. Things that they are
> not normally required to do.
>
> I don't know what I think, and I know dh and I aren't on the same page
> yet.
>
> But, at this age, $1 a week sounds pretty fair.
>
> I think almost more important than how much to give, is the concept of
> what will she do with it, and what should you require of her -- for
> example, how much, if any, should automatically go into her bank account
> for college or a car or wedding, etc, how much, if any, into her piggy
> bank for a large scale toy/item that she may want, and how much, if any,
> can she spend at will -- buying candy or toys at Target or the Dollar
> Store or something. Should a certain percentage go to charity or to help
> the needy? For example, she could drop a quarter into the March of Dimes
> container at the grocery store. Or she could save it separately to buy a
> present at Christmas for a needy child.
>
> Finally, the last important aspect that I can think of is the
> concept/theory of the money -- is it HER money to do with as she pleases?
> Or does she need to get your approval before she makes a purchase. This
> is an important one to consider, because as they get older, they may want
> to buy clothes or music that you don't approve of, and if you've always
> made them feel that it was their money to spend how they chose, then it's
> harder to change that idea. You say that they can't have an XYZ Box, but
> the go out and buy one for themselves, with "their" money. But, if you've
> always made it clear that while it's their money, they only have the
> luxury of "their money" because you spend YOUR money on mortgage,
> electricity, TV, groceries, clothes, insurance, gas, etc, then it's easier
> to enforce having a say on what they spend it on.
>
> I know this may seem like overkill when talking about an allowance for a 5
> year old, but trust me, in the blink of an eye our 5 year olds are going
> to be 10, then 15, etc. I think this is one of those issues that you
> really have to think long and hard about the BIG picture, so that you get
> started on the right foot!
>
> I'll be very interested in reading everyone elses responses!
> --
>
> Jamie
> Earth Angels:
> Taylor Marlys -- 01/03/03
> Addison Grace -- 09/30/04
>
> Check out the family -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clark_Guest1,
> Password: guest
> Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up your own User ID and
> Password
>
> "MareCat" wrote in message
> @comcast.com...
>> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>>
>> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
>> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean
>> and helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
>> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>>
>> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering
>> what others give their kids.
>>
>> Mary
>> --
>> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
>> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
>> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
>> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>>
>
>

agent starling · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 271

On Jan 10, 8:36 am, "MareCat" wrote:
> You're right, Jamie--a lot of stuff to consider! Tasks like cleaning her
> room we just expect her to do, with or without an allowance. But fetching me
> diapers or taking bottles to the babies or things like that are above and
> beyond, and if we start adding chores for her to do, we're thinking she
> should be compensated for it, even if just a little. It'll be a good way to
> teach her about earning money and saving it (she has a piggy bank that
> contains a few coins right now, and she's very interested in the concept of
> saving money).
>
> Mary
> --
> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>
> "Jamie Clark" wrote in message
>
> @comcast.com...
>
>
>
> > Allowance is one of those issues that people have really different views
> > on. Some people say that allowance should not be for doing chores and
> > things around the house, like keeping your room clean, or making your bed,
> > or clearing the table, that those are your responsibility as a family
> > member. Some people say that you shouldn't give an allowance at all, that
> > you shouldn't get paid to be a member of the family. After all, Mom
> > doesn't get paid. Instead, they would say that you should offer small
> > jobs or extra chores, like folding laundry, or washing the car, or feeding
> > the cat, etc. as a way for the child to earn money. Things that they are
> > not normally required to do.
>
> > I don't know what I think, and I know dh and I aren't on the same page
> > yet.
>
> > But, at this age, $1 a week sounds pretty fair.
>
> > I think almost more important than how much to give, is the concept of
> > what will she do with it, and what should you require of her -- for
> > example, how much, if any, should automatically go into her bank account
> > for college or a car or wedding, etc, how much, if any, into her piggy
> > bank for a large scale toy/item that she may want, and how much, if any,
> > can she spend at will -- buying candy or toys at Target or the Dollar
> > Store or something. Should a certain percentage go to charity or to help
> > the needy? For example, she could drop a quarter into the March of Dimes
> > container at the grocery store. Or she could save it separately to buy a
> > present at Christmas for a needy child.
>
> > Finally, the last important aspect that I can think of is the
> > concept/theory of the money -- is it HER money to do with as she pleases?
> > Or does she need to get your approval before she makes a purchase. This
> > is an important one to consider, because as they get older, they may want
> > to buy clothes or music that you don't approve of, and if you've always
> > made them feel that it was their money to spend how they chose, then it's
> > harder to change that idea. You say that they can't have an XYZ Box, but
> > the go out and buy one for themselves, with "their" money. But, if you've
> > always made it clear that while it's their money, they only have the
> > luxury of "their money" because you spend YOUR money on mortgage,
> > electricity, TV, groceries, clothes, insurance, gas, etc, then it's easier
> > to enforce having a say on what they spend it on.
>
> > I know this may seem like overkill when talking about an allowance for a 5
> > year old, but trust me, in the blink of an eye our 5 year olds are going
> > to be 10, then 15, etc. I think this is one of those issues that you
> > really have to think long and hard about the BIG picture, so that you get
> > started on the right foot!
>
> > I'll be very interested in reading everyone elses responses!
> > --
>
> > Jamie
> > Earth Angels:
> > Taylor Marlys -- 01/03/03
> > Addison Grace -- 09/30/04
>
> > Check out the family --www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clark_Guest1,
> > Password: guest
> > Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up your own User ID and
> > Password
>
> > "MareCat" wrote in message
> >@comcast.com...
> >> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>
> >> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
> >> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean
> >> and helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
> >> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>
> >> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering
> >> what others give their kids.
>
> >> Mary
> >> --
> >> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
> >> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
> >> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
> >> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

We don't really give an allowance for regular chores because it's
something they should be doing as part of the family. But like
someone said if it's above what they normally do then we pay for that
because i think it's important kids learn all about money and saving
when they are young. Smile

Although Alexis i think isn't learning much
because as soon as she gets any money it burns a hole in her pocket!!!
LOL

Clarice

April · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 157

I'm glad you brought this up, because we have been talking about the same
thing. I can't wait to read every one's responses.

April
Mommy to Abby (10-02)

"MareCat" wrote in message @comcast.com...
> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>
> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
> helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>
> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
> others give their kids.
>
> Mary
> --
> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>

JP · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 592

We've tried a few different techniques for allowance for Paulie. He's a
spender, so we do have some enforced savings- if he gets money for
holidays, etc, half goes in his bank for later (college, car, etc.).
We've tried a work chart, but that ends up being a bit of a hassle. The
thing that works for us is job related rewards- "You go feed horses,
I'll give you $1.00" "Help me put laundry away, I'll give you $.50" We
also match his contributions to his bank account, if he earns $5.00 and
puts it all in the bank, we give him another $5.00 to put in the bank.
He doesn't take advantage of that all that often, but he's learning Wink

We're going to start with Jack soon, he likes putting money in his piggy
bank, and he's big enough to start taking some responsibility too! Gosh,
he'll be three in just over a month!!

I'm looking forward to seeing what works for everybody else too...

JP

MareCat wrote:
> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>
> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
> helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those things
> when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>
> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
> others give their kids.
>
> Mary

Jigsy · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 59

Mary,

A dollar a week sounds perfect for her age. I, personally, don't think it
should matter what they do--bedroom, picking up toys, etc. It is always nice
to earn money, and it is not like you are giving money just because. Yes,
they should pick up their own rooms, so should a lot of us adults:) I keep
a very tidy home and my bedroom gets pretty swamped with clothing and books,
etc. I might be more attentive to the clothes that need to be ironed if
someone bought me a starbucks. Smile;)

My kids actually get between $1.00 to $5.00 a week, depending on what they
did for that week. I have been known to not give them a dime. I do expect
help around the house whether they get money or not, though. Cleaning their
room cannot just be throwing clothes under the bed or tossing toys into
whatever container they want. Things have to be done correctly and
neatly--well, as neatly as expected for a 5 and 7 yr old.

The money they get is often put in their banks,but every one in a while, I
will let them use half to buy something they really want. Recently Samantha
wanted a Hannah Montana watch--so I let her buy it. It was only $10.00. She
put the rest of the $20.00 back in her piggy bank.

Hope this helps.

"MareCat" wrote in message @comcast.com...
> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>
> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
> helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>
> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
> others give their kids.
>
> Mary
> --
> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>

MareCat · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 693

"Jigsy" wrote in message @comcast.com...
> Mary,
>
> A dollar a week sounds perfect for her age. I, personally, don't think it
> should matter what they do--bedroom, picking up toys, etc. It is always
> nice to earn money, and it is not like you are giving money just because.
> Yes, they should pick up their own rooms, so should a lot of us adults:)
> I keep a very tidy home and my bedroom gets pretty swamped with clothing
> and books, etc. I might be more attentive to the clothes that need to be
> ironed if someone bought me a starbucks. Smile;)

I like your way of doing things, Jolinda. Smile

We've been discussing giving $$
for each individual task vs. giving a weekly amount. The thing is, Rayna is
the type to constantly ask (after we ask her to do something), "How much
will you give me if I do *that*?" I'm thinking that just giving her a buck a
week for all the little things she does for us is the better way to go (at
least to start with; we may decide to do things differently down the road).
And, a dollar to her, at this age, is a LOT of money.

I've actually already broached the subject with her over the last day or
two, telling her that daddy and I have been thinking about giving her some
money for all the things she does for us--like helping out with the babies,
folding the laundry, etc. (We've pretty much decided at this point that
we're definitely going to start giving her *something*--it's still up in the
air as to what, exactly.) Her reply was, "And, if you and daddy help me when
I'm helping with the babies, then I'll just give you guys some of my money."
Smile

(Gotta love these 5-year-olds!)

I like the idea of giving kids money for performing tasks, because 1) it
allows them to experience the satisfaction of earning something for a job
well done, 2) it helps enable them to then learn about saving money and
budgeting for bigger things they want to spend money on, and 3) it helps
them gain a real sense of ownership with regards to things they spend the
money on--i.e., they might value the items they spend their saved up
allowance money on more than they would if their parents bought those items
for them, because they worked really hard for the money to buy those items.

> My kids actually get between $1.00 to $5.00 a week, depending on what they
> did for that week. I have been known to not give them a dime. I do expect
> help around the house whether they get money or not, though. Cleaning
> their room cannot just be throwing clothes under the bed or tossing toys
> into whatever container they want. Things have to be done correctly and
> neatly--well, as neatly as expected for a 5 and 7 yr old.
>
> The money they get is often put in their banks,but every one in a while, I
> will let them use half to buy something they really want. Recently
> Samantha wanted a Hannah Montana watch--so I let her buy it. It was only
> $10.00. She put the rest of the $20.00 back in her piggy bank.
>
> Hope this helps.

The sliding scale you use makes a lot of sense (cents Smile

. ITA that if a
child doesn't do anything (extra) during a week, then he/she shouldn't earn
anything.

I need to pick my brother and SIL's brains to find out their allowance
philosophy. We spent almost a week with them and their kids over New Year's,
and as far as I could tell, none of their kids did much in the way of
chores, much less anything extra. (One day, as I sat feeding my twins their
lunch, my twin nieces and their older sister sat nearby and argued for
several minutes as to who should go and feed their cats. They never did
resolve it, and I don't know that the cats were ever fed, as they kept
circling around under the table, meowing hungrily.)

Thanks for your replies, everyone!

Mary--waiting to hear from all the OTHER folks in here with older kids
Smile

whodunit · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 508

Girl,

I'm happy to see this! I was worried for you all after that big storm
the other day! :-O

Carolyne in TX, who gives Maya an allowance whenever I remember it, and
the price usually varies, mostly $5 a few times a month. She's pretty
good about it though, has her own savings account at the bank and about
5-6 piggy banks around the house. When they fill up we take'em to the
bank and deposit them! Smile

Jigsy wrote:
> Mary,
>
> A dollar a week sounds perfect for her age. I, personally, don't think it
> should matter what they do--bedroom, picking up toys, etc. It is always nice
> to earn money, and it is not like you are giving money just because. Yes,
> they should pick up their own rooms, so should a lot of us adults:) I keep
> a very tidy home and my bedroom gets pretty swamped with clothing and books,
> etc. I might be more attentive to the clothes that need to be ironed if
> someone bought me a starbucks. Smile;)
>
> My kids actually get between $1.00 to $5.00 a week, depending on what they
> did for that week. I have been known to not give them a dime. I do expect
> help around the house whether they get money or not, though. Cleaning their
> room cannot just be throwing clothes under the bed or tossing toys into
> whatever container they want. Things have to be done correctly and
> neatly--well, as neatly as expected for a 5 and 7 yr old.
>
> The money they get is often put in their banks,but every one in a while, I
> will let them use half to buy something they really want. Recently Samantha
> wanted a Hannah Montana watch--so I let her buy it. It was only $10.00. She
> put the rest of the $20.00 back in her piggy bank.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> "MareCat" wrote in message
> @comcast.com...
>> Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how much?
>>
>> We've been thinking about giving Rayna maybe a dollar per week (as a
>> starting allowance). This would be a reward for keeping her room clean and
>> helping out with the babies (she's been pretty good about doing those
>> things when we ask her to do them)--for starters.
>>
>> Her cousins who are a few years older receive $5/week. Just wondering what
>> others give their kids.
>>
>> Mary
>> --
>> Mommy to three wonderful, IUI miracle girls:
>> Rayna Marie (a.k.a. Bayne) 1/20/03 (@ 40 weeks, 8 lbs. 10 oz.)
>> Kyra Nicole (a.k.a. Kere Bear) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.)
>> Camille Elizabeth (a.k.a. Cammy) 9/20/06 (@ 37 weeks, 6 lbs. 3 oz.)
>>
>
>

Cindi - HappyMamatoThree · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 740

> Mary--waiting to hear from all the OTHER folks in here with older kids
> Smile

>
Had to laugh that Mary was tapping her foot at those of us with older ones.
Sometimes we don't have a clue either. *laughs*

Actually at our house the kids have gotten an allowance for several years
and it works well for us. Since everyone participates in keeping up the
house work, and dinners, and the kitchen, and laundry, then everyone gets
some spending money on payday every two weeks. Right now the kids each get
$10 every two weeks. Ian puts part of his in his SchoolDaze savings account
and Rachel saves hers on her own (she saves some to go to North Carolina
with her when she goes to visit, and saves hers for other things it's just
not in a savings account). They are both good about not spending it all
immediately. They will get their sights on an item and save until they make
their goal. A lot of times they will end up changing their mind before they
spend their money. It absolutely has taught them not to just spend because
they have money. Right now Ian is saving for a large Star Wars lego item and
Rachel is saving for new Vans.

We decided not to hook money to "chores" so much as to family participation.
Since they have become more mature (Rachel more than Ian of course since she
is 5 years older) in their own ways, each of them doesn't complain about
regular chores, or the items that are their responsibility to keep our home
going. If they are being particularly difficult or haven't done the chores
expected of them regularly, rather than deny them their allowance their
money has to go all into their savings and there are no "extras" to be
bought that pay period. It's hard for them to have money that they can't
touch.

The only chore that is different is babysitting. Just in the last six months
or so we have started "hiring" Rachel to babysit if we want to go out on a
date. Rachel gets $4.00 an hour and has to do the things a babysitter would
do not just sit on the couch and yell at her brother. She has to fix supper
(something in the microwave usually), straighten the kitchen when she is
done, make sure they both have a shower and are in clean pajamas, straighten
up the toys and living room once Ian is sent off the bed (if we are out past
his bedtime). She did it on Saturday night and did an excellent job. We were
kinda not sure about her doing it but after she was able to handle the
emergency in August we have been giving her more responsibility. Poor Ian,
he doesn't have a sibling younger than him to get paid for babysitting
eventually.

Our method I am sure is different from everyone else's. But it works for us.

Cindi

Jamie Clark · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 5208

It sounds like a great method to me!
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"Cindi - HappyMamatoThree" wrote in message $pr6.5299@nlpi070.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
>> Mary--waiting to hear from all the OTHER folks in here with older kids
>> Smile

>>
> Had to laugh that Mary was tapping her foot at those of us with older
> ones. Sometimes we don't have a clue either. *laughs*
>
> Actually at our house the kids have gotten an allowance for several years
> and it works well for us. Since everyone participates in keeping up the
> house work, and dinners, and the kitchen, and laundry, then everyone gets
> some spending money on payday every two weeks. Right now the kids each get
> $10 every two weeks. Ian puts part of his in his SchoolDaze savings
> account and Rachel saves hers on her own (she saves some to go to North
> Carolina with her when she goes to visit, and saves hers for other things
> it's just not in a savings account). They are both good about not spending
> it all immediately. They will get their sights on an item and save until
> they make their goal. A lot of times they will end up changing their mind
> before they spend their money. It absolutely has taught them not to just
> spend because they have money. Right now Ian is saving for a large Star
> Wars lego item and Rachel is saving for new Vans.
>
> We decided not to hook money to "chores" so much as to family
> participation. Since they have become more mature (Rachel more than Ian of
> course since she is 5 years older) in their own ways, each of them doesn't
> complain about regular chores, or the items that are their responsibility
> to keep our home going. If they are being particularly difficult or
> haven't done the chores expected of them regularly, rather than deny them
> their allowance their money has to go all into their savings and there are
> no "extras" to be bought that pay period. It's hard for them to have money
> that they can't touch.
>
> The only chore that is different is babysitting. Just in the last six
> months or so we have started "hiring" Rachel to babysit if we want to go
> out on a date. Rachel gets $4.00 an hour and has to do the things a
> babysitter would do not just sit on the couch and yell at her brother. She
> has to fix supper (something in the microwave usually), straighten the
> kitchen when she is done, make sure they both have a shower and are in
> clean pajamas, straighten up the toys and living room once Ian is sent off
> the bed (if we are out past his bedtime). She did it on Saturday night and
> did an excellent job. We were kinda not sure about her doing it but after
> she was able to handle the emergency in August we have been giving her
> more responsibility. Poor Ian, he doesn't have a sibling younger than him
> to get paid for babysitting eventually.
>
> Our method I am sure is different from everyone else's. But it works for
> us.
>
> Cindi
>

MareCat · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 693

"Cindi - HappyMamatoThree" wrote in message $pr6.5299@nlpi070.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
> If they are being particularly difficult or haven't done the chores
> expected of them regularly, rather than deny them their allowance their
> money has to go all into their savings and there are no "extras" to be
> bought that pay period. It's hard for them to have money that they can't
> touch.

I really like that idea .

> The only chore that is different is babysitting. Just in the last six
> months or so we have started "hiring" Rachel to babysit if we want to go
> out on a date. Rachel gets $4.00 an hour and has to do the things a
> babysitter would do not just sit on the couch and yell at her brother. She
> has to fix supper (something in the microwave usually), straighten the
> kitchen when she is done, make sure they both have a shower and are in
> clean pajamas, straighten up the toys and living room once Ian is sent off
> the bed (if we are out past his bedtime). She did it on Saturday night and
> did an excellent job. We were kinda not sure about her doing it but after
> she was able to handle the emergency in August we have been giving her
> more responsibility. Poor Ian, he doesn't have a sibling younger than him
> to get paid for babysitting eventually.

Good for Rachel! (And good for you and DH, since you now have your own
live-in babysitter. Smile

> Our method I am sure is different from everyone else's. But it works for
> us.

Sounds like a great method! Thanks, Cindi!

Mary

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