Paying the kids to do housework

building_with_lego

Make a sign for the fridge:
"For today's wifi password

Tidy your room
wash up
walk the dog."

I've seen people do it on a daily basis- it really hits them where it hurts:p

FWIW I make my two (10 and 6) do chores with me. They almost always complain that it's boring but they get The Look which tells them that yes, it is, but better three of us doing it than me on my own as I find it boring too.

marisco_2

I don't believe in linking pocket money with chores. To me paying children to carry out basic tasks, means you are putting a monetary value on family cooperation. I do expect my children to help out for free, just as my parents did with me as I grew up. That's not to say that this approach is not fine in other families though, you just have to decide what works best for you

flashg67

I've changed systems as mine have got older -from stars /points = 5p etc, to giving them lists in exchange for a monthly allowance. Now they're 16+, I expect them to be more proactive and 'spot' that stuff needs doing - eg dishwasher needs emptying/loading, bin full etc - to me this is how work is in real life - you don't stand around waiting to be told what to do (apart from when you first start).
Keeping bedrooms reasonably tidy and not creating extra tidying/cleaning for us is also part of the deal.
As others have said, there are no rules and some trial and error might be needed, but stick with it to show you mean business and follow through (without being too harsh) if they don't do their chores - IMO, it's a good life lesson, sad as it is! My favourite 'punishment' is to change the wi-fi password - soon gets them moving!

GobbledyGook

We do both. The girls have jobs that are linked to their pocket money (these change on a four weekly basis), but they also have a couple of jobs each that are 'theirs' and they are simply expected to do because everyone has to pitch in to run a household.

victory

I expected both of them to do their what we called ' Sunday jobs' blitz of hoovering, dusting, clean rooms, then plates in dishwasher, just the usual but anything above that they got paid for like decorating, emptying sheds/ de cluttering / helping take items to skip/ helping move/ a days gardening, the big heavy stuff they got paid for ( win win because their help was very much appreciated and needed and cheaper than hiring)

They were expected to give and take, go with the flow of what needed to be done and get paid if it was warranted and not paid if it was helping out, helping the family, all mucking in together,

Like the lawn, if you see it and are available mow it, weeding or watering the same part of running a house but if it were bigger that's different

springdreams

I don't link pocket money to chores as my DS would then simply believe that he does not have to help out with the house work. I don't get paid to do housework - I just have to get on with it, so he is treated the same way. Admittedly there are times I have to nag and shout, but the chores do eventually get done.

I give him a monthly allowance which must cover the things he wants. I will cover the things he needs.

In your situation, however, my approach is unlikely to work for you, so yes, I would link chores to pocket money.

If you are already giving them pocket money which they do not have to do anything for, then as another poster has suggested stop this, and only offer money in return for chores.The more unpleasant chores could be worth more.

Good luck.

moomoomama27

My children are expected to follow a list of chores in a rota that we draw up together. If they don't complete their chores, they don't get pocket money, there are so e things they are expected to do!

I'm lucky my youngest two are very tidy and neat, which makes up for my messy teen!

ska_lover

Oh I would do it, as a working mother, less arguments and less chores for you V's loosing a few quid - Bring on the chores list

YORKSHIRELASS

Some really helpful replies there, thank you, and its definitely got me thinking. They do both get pocket money (not much) and basically for that they are supposed to keep their own rooms reasonably tidy, strip their beds once a week and help sort out their own laundry. The 15yo does this willingly but refuses to do anything that doesnt involve his room or his possessions.

The youngest (13) just hates doing anything domestic, full stop.

I like the idea of a basic amount of pocket money for doing set tasks and extra for additional things.

I used to do a weekly inspection of their bedrooms and they only got pocket money if their rooms were up to scratch and their bedding had been changed. I think somewhere along the way I have just given up which is my fault entirely.

Any more thoughts welcome!

Errata

Basic wage (pocket money) then a list of bonus jobs and price list on the fridge door.