Allowances

I put my allowance plan into place last week and so far, it's going wonderfully. I made a list of 8 things I expect the kids to do everyday. I also made a job jar with extra things like straightening the living room, helping with dishes, swiffering the bathrooms, etc. The kids have to pick 1 job out of the job jar every week. So far, they've each chosen 2 things. I'm not making anyone do their chores. If they do them, they get a reward in the form of allowance. If they don't, they don't get an allowance. They earn a nickel for every check at the end of the week. A side benefit is that Caden has already learned to count by 5s. He'll be ahead in math class.

Last week, Caden didn't work too hard so he only earned $1.30. Jaelyn did more, but not all and earned the top amount at $2.45. This week, they are really working. This morning, in addition to getting ready for school, the beds are made, clothes are in the laundry basket, the living room is straightened, the dishwasher has been unloaded and reloaded (with a little help from me), and the craft table is picked up. I love it. It's making my life so much easier.

The kids want to make Daddy a chore chart. I can think of several things from the kids'chart I would include on it :p, but I won't. Dan works hard to support our family; so if we have to trip over his humungous shoes he leaves in the middle of the walkways, we'll just try not to hurt ourselves when we fall!