Today I gave a parenting class and the topic was "How to Win the Chore Wars." One of the hot topics for discussion was whether or not to pay your child for chores? I was just wondering what you do?
Personally, I don't pay my kids to do chores. I want them to do chores because they're part of the family and to be responsible for messes that they make. I made an exception this summer when I didn't have time to deadhead the plants in my garden. I told my kids that I'd pay them $2 for 30 minutes of deadheading. I made it clear that this was the only chore I was going to pay them for. They did a great job. They were happy and I was happy. Until the next day...
The first words my 6-year-old said when I asked her to do one of her chores was "How much are you going to pay me?" I was floored. And disappointed. And mad at myself for making an exception when the regular system had worked so well. She repeated this several times in the next few days until I laid down a big consequence for her if she ever muttered those words again.
So, tell me what you do. I'll weigh in with a professional opinion in a few days. Remember, you can receive my free 7-part e-course "How to Win the Chore Wars" at www.familiesfirstcoaching.com.
I have never paid my kids for doing regular chores
Posted by: amber | April 16, 2007 at 12:28 PM
I agree that children should not be paid for doing chores - if you're a part of this family you need to pitch in and help out.
Posted by: Katie | April 04, 2007 at 08:26 PM