It’s time to go back to the chart. You know, the chart that lists jobs & chores you expect your kids to do. The responsibility chart!
I have to admit, I have the hardest time with this. I start out every few months with the best intentions, but after a few weeks… So, I created these great “mommy bucks” and printed them. I made them with photos of me and the boys, but you could make them very simple, or have your kids make them. My kids love them!
Anyway, it’s time to re-ignite the responsibility chart in my household. I need boys that can help out with the housekeeping and do something around here besides look cute and have fun. I will not raise lazy boys! But it’s always hard for me to decide how to structure this. How much is a job worth? How many jobs are appropriate? Are things you expect – such as brushing your teeth – something to give a reward for? I guess it depends on the child and his age. I would reward my 3 year old for teeth brushing because he’s still trying to get into the routine, whereas my 9 year-old is already there and I expect him to brush regardless.
I’ve also created management positions for each one. The garbage officer (person who goes around the house and checks all cans to make sure they’re cleared of trash), the cubby control (person responsible for making sure the cubbies don’t look like a cyclone came through), and the toy police (makes sure toys are where they should be and alerts me if they are mistreated, broken or not put away properly) are in addition to their jobs. They’re more like opportunities to be in control rather than to be controlled.
Some of the jobs I assign (to the older 2) are bringing in the recycling and garbage cans, shoveling snow on the walkway, setting the table, bringing their laundry to the laundry room, and making their bed. If each task is completed they earn their age in mommy dollars. If they do something really wonderful, they may receive a bonus buck. Likewise, if they do something I’m not happy with, I reserve the right to withhold payment (partial or total – depending on what happened).
The mommy bucks are equal to real bucks. They save their money and when they want to buy something, they can cash in their mommy bucks for real bucks. It’s effective and they love the system – I just have a hard time keeping up on it. I really don’t know why, it’s a win – win situation. They learn responsibility, build confidence and they help me out too…So, I shall try again.
By Renee Martinez, Founder of Raising Boys World
