I’m proud to say that our recently activated chore chart is going strong!

Every day the kids come home from school and look to see what they have to get done. I got a lot of response from the chart, both from people who think it’s wrong to pay the kids and others who want more information on how we run it! Let me address the former first.

My husband and I debated whether or not to pay the kids. In a perfect world, yes, they should just do their chores happily, with a smile on their face, content in the knowledge they’re helping our family function more efficiently. As soon as my GPS finds a location for that world, I’m there.

In the meantime, we’re paying them. They do several chores a day. I think that’s worth a buck. Plus, the added bonus is, if they want to buy something, they have to use their own money. Want a new Barbie? Save your money. Want a new superhero? Save your money. Want a DS game? Save your money. I’m hoping they start to learn the value of a dollar! It sure cuts down on the “Mom, will you buy me a new …”.

Now, for the details. My husband bought the dry erase board chart at Target, he thinks. Every day, the kids make their beds and clean their rooms. Sunday through Friday, we have different chores the kids alternate doing. They get one chore a day in addition to making their beds and cleaning their room.

And one day a week, they have to do two chores. They get $1 a day, Monday through Friday, if they successfully complete their chores. We ended up adding Sunday so the chores split up better but we still only give them $5 for six days of chores. We call it parent prerogative!

If they don’t do their daily job, they lose the buck. That money goes into a community fund. Whichever kid/kids completes all their chores for the week, they get/split the bonus community fund. I think the pot is up to $8 right now. Yes, I know, that potentially they could lose $6 when they only get $5 a week. But I honestly don’t think we’re in danger of that happening.

We also give them the chance to earn their buck back. On a day they finish all chores, they can do “on demand” chores. This can include sweeping the garage/porches/decks, cleaning base boards and wiping down kitchen/bathroom cabinets and drawers. It’s come in handy! Even though they can earn money back, it doesn’t put them in the running for the bonus community fund.

Here are the chores:
Swiffer downstairs
Wipe down tables and countertops
Brush the dogs
Clean windows and glass doors to decks
Clean kids bathroom sinks

I also have them set the table for dinner, clear their own plates and feed the dogs. We’re working on filling the dishwasher. They don’t get paid for it. I just ask ‘em to do it.

Good luck!!!

Lynda is the mom of three and co-host of Mix 101.5 WRAL-FM's Bill & Lynda in the Morning. Find her here on Thursdays. Find her on her Facebook page everyday.