That was the title at the top of the paper before I used it to blot a stamp on. Can you see why I need helpers? ...just a little bit busy and distracted.
Anyhow, work = money is a concept we've been trying to instill in our kids for years. However, instilling it is usually a lot of work (that doesn't pay very well...ok - it's just massive delayed gratification).
We tried paying them per chore that they completed during each pay period. There were spread sheets and weekly paydays that required exact change. It was complicated and nightmarish.
I love the new system (based very loosely on Cheaper by the Dozen). On the clipboard, I have a list of jobs that I'm willing to pay people for in October, along with the going rate.
Play with the baby while I sew or cook $2.00
Clean the upstairs bathroom $5.00
Wash and dry all of the downstairs baseboards $3.00
When the children sign up for a job, they've committed to completing it. After it's passed inspection, I initial it, and they are paid at the end of the month.
This list serves two purposes. First: it saves me from the constant "what can I do to earn money" question. Second: even if they don't do everything on the list, it helps me remember what I need to get done if the kids are feeling lazy and not particularly motivated by cash.
Proof: the bathroom my 8-year-old cleaned today.
Easy Cheesy - Mac and Peasy.
(...and no, we don't know what that means, but we say it all of the time anyhow.)
I've always loved the Cheaper By the Dozen method, but I'm a loser when it comes to successfully implementing any type of system...
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea. I might have to try it! We say easy peasy sometimes, just not the mac and cheesy part. :)
ReplyDeletePaying someone to play with the baby while you sew is BRILLIANT. Too bad Chick is kinda too young for that.
ReplyDeleteAh... A brilliant idea. A silimar clipboard might be found at our house soon. :o)
ReplyDelete