Comments on: JLP’s Kids and Household Chores Experiment

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:13:31 +0000

It was like when we first started using a budget. I was afraid that we would have less money for what we wanted, but I found out that we quickly found “more” money because we were telling our money “where to go” (as Ramsey would say). So, we actually HAD money to go out to eat!

My kids find the same thing with their chores. I’m NOT morning people, so when we are gradually waking up, they are usually watching TV or something. But when our morning officially starts, it’s chores first (they have a list), and then school. They just have to check them off before they can do anything else.

The trick is to find out what works for your family as a whole, and what motivates your kids, and keep with it. Congratulations for finding something that is working with your kids!

By: Preston

Preston — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:07:42 +0000

My son is 18 months old. I’ll be glad when he gets big enough to understand that I don’t like when his toys are all left out (he understands putting the toys back in the box and will do it if asked, but he then sometimes sees one he wants and pulls them all out to get to it then runs off).

Oh the joys

By: SimplyForties

SimplyForties — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:33:58 +0000

Um…your house was a mess because your wife was working and you are lazy. Now your kids have a chores list. No offense but, do you have a chores list now too?! I don’t have anyone to make a list for…wonder if I can get my pug to do chores?

By: Scott @ The Passive Dad

Scott @ The Passive Dad — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:28:00 +0000

At what age do you think it appropriate to start chores with kids? Do you have an allowance tied to chores or just chores and no allowance. We debate this topic with friends all the time and my wife and I can’t make up our mind.

By: Camille@TheFinancialWoman.com

Camille@TheFinancialWoman.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:20:23 +0000

My teen boys recently began doing their own laundry. It is wonderful! I am glad to see I am not the only one!

By: Roger

Roger — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:54:54 +0000

Not a bad plan; it sounds like it’s working alright so far. I feel that I should try to do something like that, myself, to try to schedule out everything that needs to be done during the day, and stick to it. You’ll have to let us know how things proceed.

By: Beth @ Smart Family Tips

Beth @ Smart Family Tips — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:15:29 +0000

Great plan! I created something similar, though much more simplistic for my 3 year old twins. I find that things run much better around the house, and everyone is a lot happier, too.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:42:03 +0000

I’ve been using a checklist with my kids for at least 5 years. It covers what needs to be done so they don’t “forget” (brushing teeth, making bed, doing homework) but also some simple daily chores that they do to contribute to the household. I also give each of them 5 chores per week that I choose on Sunday, based on what needs to be done around the house. They get paid for these chores (prices vary by chore and how well it is done) plus an extra amount for completing their checklists. We don’t buy much for them beyond the essentials. They have to manage their money for things they want. They are in control and like that. This system works in so many ways. I don’t have to tell them what to do, they get things done around that house that need to be done, they earn money and learn how to manage it, they learn to read, they learn organization skills, they learn independence, they learn how to maintain and clean a house, and they learn time management. As a full time employee, mom to three, wife, pet owner and avid volunteer, I need help. This system ensures things get done.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:48:55 +0000

If the very first thing I had to do when I woke up was read the Bible, I’d probably fall right back asleep. I hope your kids are perkier in the morning than I am.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:36:16 +0000

That sounds pretty intense for a kid’s schedule. Almost military in a way. I remember when I was a kid, I never had a schedule, I just understood when things needed to be done and for the most part got them done. I suppose instilling children with the value of punctuality can be important, but strict schedules can also be stifling, especially if you want them to ever be creative with their time.