one area we are giving more attention lately in our parenting is having, and sticking with, a plan to help our kids understand more about the value of work and the value of money. Though we talk about the importance of giving, saving and then spending with them, we haven't consistently followed through on opportunities for them to live that out.
so, we have just started a somewhat new system. they have the opportunity to earn money each week if they follow through on their daily responsibilities as well as their weekend chores. all must be done well and with a good attitude. we want them to not only have the opportunity to learn now about managing their money, but also to develop a strong work ethic. both are qualities their daddy has in spades. their mommy? a work in progress.
so bill is the one who reviews their weekly responsibilities and gives them their earnings. for example, here he is talking with them after jack and emma spent hours picking up all the winter poop...
emma is smiling because she's got some green coming her way. that's what you get for filling nine plastic bags full o'poop. remember we have two dogs and it was a long winter...
my favorite part was when Jack yelled across the yard, "mom, emma is throwing my poop!" our poor neighbors must think we are so weird. oh yeah, i just remembered, we are.
even though it is best for them to learn the value of work, it's also nice for me to have help around the house...
though, sometimes the help is more work than the work itself...
the very best kind of work.
Posts
4 comments:
Missy,
What a great way to teach your children. Here's an idea from my mom, she always had an "extras" list. You could earn extra money for doing special jobs. Like washing all of the windows or cleaning baseboards.
We started this once. And then Rich and I would forget to check. And then we never had cash lying around. Eventually we decided that we weren't fit to teach this particular lesson.
But good for you!
The hardest part is letting your kids spend their money. ("You want to spend your hard earned fifty cents on that piece of junk?") Parenting with Love and Logic talks about this...it's better to let them make small mistakes ($.50) so they don't make the bigger ones ($5000) when they're older!
We started a chore chart today, too. Granted...my kids are 6, 3, and baby. :)
Way to go, Missy! (And 9 bags is a butt-load of poo. No pun intended.)
I know this was supposed to be a post about kids learning the value of hard work, but all I could think about was where did you get that "I'm Gonna Go Change The World" shirt for LuLu? (Which is what I call my baby sister!)
Post a Comment