Archive for the ‘kids do’ Category

Since summer vacation started over a week ago, I have been trying to update the kid’s job charts.

My husband and I have discussed long hours whether or not to give an allowance.  How many jobs should the kids have?  What is the best way to structure their responsibilities?  How can I take the pressure off of me to enforce jobs, and give the responsibility to the kids?

We have finally settled on a few new updates to our current job chart system.  Since it’s summer, I’ve added another row of responsibilities in the form of weekly jobs.  For Ben who is 9, that means on Saturday, he will help dad mow the lawn.  The kids also do things like helping to clean the bathrooms or dust the living room.

Since we have our vegetable garden in cedar garden boxes which are 4′ x 6′, the kids each have their own garden box they are responsible for.  They helped plant the vegetables in that box, are responsible for weeding and helping to fertilize.

We’ve also added “Allowance Jobs” to our charts.  This consists of jobs on a list, such as:

• Dust the floorboards
• Wash the walls
• Put away clean silverware from the dishwasher
• Water the garden pots
• Sweep the kitchen floor
• Help clean out the refrigerator
• Help cook dinner

These are just a few of the items for which they can earn allowance.   To earn allowance jobs, they need to finish their regular jobs on time and without complaint.

All in all, my husband and I are very happy with this compromise.  The kids still have the responsibilities that come from being members of our family.  But they also get the chance to earn some pocket change, and learn about managing money.

Paying out the allowance is another hurdle for me.  I never have cash on hand… especially in the exact right amount to pay out what is needed.

The solution came when I stumbled across another blog a few days ago called the The Idea Room.

She created a checkbook register for her kids and generously shares the template for free.

I downloaded the template and made the kids each a register yesterday.

I love the little owl paper.

And a peek inside, which we are yet to begin filling in.  I love that the system helps the child put part of their earnings into savings, and part to a charitable donation.

Then they can make withdrawals as needed for the rest.

The kids really are excited about the system and so am I.  Which bodes well for it working.

One other system that you may want to look at, if you are working on implementing your own job chart system is myjobchart.com,  My friend just set it up for her kids, which is free and online.  I can’t wait to see how it goes for her.

Yep, I’m off to Craft Camp at Skip to My Lou today…

and I’m sharing how to make easy Marshmallow Shooters with the kids.

They are the most fun you can have with PVC pipe, guaranteed.

Come on over for the tutorial and join in the fun.