In our home, we've not really practiced having chores with payment attached. Sure, we agree with providing an allowance and sure we agree with expecting participation in chores but monetary value on doing those chores has not yet been discussed .. that is until today! In the past, Macy has just done as we've asked.
Macy accompanied me on a Sonic run today. While we waited for our drinks this is what took place:
M: "Mom, do you think I could start earning an allowance?"
A: "Well. Sure. I think that's a great idea! When we get home, we should sit down & discuss what some appropriate chores might be. What do you think would be a good idea?"
M: "Hmm .. (thinking) I think making my bed."
A: "Everyday."
M: "Yes. Everyday."
A: "Okay, that could make the list."
M: "How much do you think I can get paid for doing chores?"
A: "Well, that depends on what you do. You'll only get paid for work you do-you either do ALL of it or you don't get paid. But we'll come up with some ideas when we get home. We'll write them down & make an agreement."
M: "Okay! That sounds good to me."
I wanted to give her time to think about the things she could reasonably do. When we got home, she pulled out a spiral notebook and we began making a "contract". We agreed that it would last for 2 weeks to see if she needed to increase or decrease her responsibility. She was advised if her responsibility decreased, so did her pay.
As we discussed some of the things (you'll see the final list below) the subject of pay also came about.
M: "I wonder how much all this is worth?"
A: "Well, what do you think it is worth? What seems reasonable?"
M: "Um ... (thinking) I believe it's worth five dollars."
A: "So if you do _______ (listing off all the chores she agreed to) then you'll earn $5. But what
should be the consequence if you don't do all of those things on the day you agreed?"
M: "Then I shouldn't get paid!"
A: "Okay ma'am. It's a deal."
We shook hands. She signed the "contract".
*Editor's Note: Some of these items she already does because they're expected. The point is to have her understand the purpose of responsibility and how "working", works. The contract is subject to change after the 2 week period ;)
