Question
I wanted to get your thoughts on chores and allowances for kids.
What would be considered appropriate chores for a 2 yr old and a 4.5 yr old and should they be attached to allowances?
Also how should these evolve as the kids get older?
I’m not sure because of the whole responsibility vs external reward idea, but I also think allowances might help kids understand the value of money. Interested in your thoughts!
Thank you
Answer
This is a great question!
Chores and Allowance can be a one hour class for parents all on its own. Let me give you the quick answer to help you think it through.
Chores have to be thought about in your child's ability and development of fine and gross motor movement. For young children this is incredibly important to keep in mind.
What can they do with their hands?
How coordinated are they?
How easily can they move with their body and control it?
As a rule with children under 4 for chores:
*Helping with clean up of their toys - they can't do it on their own
*Putting their clothes in the hamper
*Taking their empty plate to the kitchen when done eating
I would not introduce an allowance for anyone under 6 or who can't add and subtract
An allowance can be introduced when they are 6 or when they are in first grade. The idea behind an allowance is to help them understand how to use and earn money so it is important that they EARN it and that it is not confused with a REWARD. So how does a parent do this?
First, the allowance is given for things outside of basic responsibilities.
What are basic responsibilities?
*Personal Hygiene
*Making their bed
*Doing their homework
*Earning good grades to the best of their ability
Allowance is given for extras, things not expected of them that help out the family.
What are examples for extras?
*Taking the garbage out ( from bathrooms or from the kitchen)
*Setting and cleaning the dining room table
*Vacuuming the house
*Washing the dishes for everyone not just their own
*etc....
You set up a payment system for them. You can tell them that each of this earns them 50 cents. Then you keep tabs on it. At the end of the week or the month you add up what they earned and you give them the money.
The trick of it is that it's not forced (the basic responsibilities are musts) but these extras they choose to do to earn the allowance.
Once you give them the money then you teach them your financial values. The percentages of savings, if you tithe, what to spend.
Hope this all makes sense.
Remember, prior to 1st grade an allowance and how to earn it is beyond their cognitive ability, so you have time to think about the above.