Chores and Money

Partway through the past school year I set up a chore chart for my kids.  Before that they were required to clean their rooms when I told them and sometimes I would have them to do other things.  However, I took on most of the work load.  Let's face it, it's just easier to do things yourself sometimes.  I am sure many of you mom's would agree.  But, it did get burdensome at times.  I kept thinking I needed to have them do regular chores but would never follow through.

My parents came to visit last fall and before they left my dad took me aside and told me he thought I needed to require more of my boys.  They needed to help more.  I knew it was true but had been dragging my feet up to that point.  I was grateful for my dad's words of advice.  I always respect my dad and welcome his thoughts.  I knew it was only doing them a disservice when I didn't expect much of them.

I finally made a chore chart.  I know you don't necessarily need one but it helps me to have something visual and I think it helps the kids too.  They have some chores they are expected to do just because they are a part of the family and we need to help out and work as a team. (So mom doesn't go crazy!;))  They also have chores they can do to earn money.  My boys had no allowance and we decided it would be good for them to earn some money and start learning to pay tithing and save for their missions.  Also, it was fun for them to have a little money to spend.   

It has been an awesome change in our home.  They don't complain, as much, when asked to do their chores and there is more motivation.  They are learning how to be a part of the family team and hopefully developing some habits of cleanliness. (Keep in mind they are still boys) 

At the beginning of the summer they started mowing our neighbors lawn.  She used to pay a landscape company.  One day Tyson offered the boys services, not expecting money.  He just wanted to boys to have more opportunity to learn how to work and serve.  She said she'd love that but would want to pay them.  She asked how much they'd want and Tyson said it didn't need to be much, whatever she decided.  Well, they do it every two weeks and they each get five dollars.  That adds up to $10 a month each and that is plenty for them.  They have been going the extra mile and weeding too, just to be nice.  She told them the other day she wanted to give them a bonus at the end of the summer for the extra work.  Of course they were stoked about that!

I love to see my kids learning how to work and how to manage money.  It's simple but a good start for them.  They give 10% to tithing and 10% to savings.  Every time they get an allowance or payment from our neighbor we sit down and figure out how much goes to tithing and savings.  I have been so proud of them, and told them so the other night, because they don't complain about having to give the money up.  They have formed a habit and I hope by the time they grow up and leave home they will see the wisdom in it and continue with the habit.