Allowance and Chores

“Should I link allowance to chores?”

I found this question to be the BIG debate when it comes to designing an allowance program. Some parents want their children to “work” for their money - they don't want their children to be handed a “free lunch.” I agree.

However...remember that your goal is to teach your children how to manage money not to get them to do their chores. You will be giving them allowance not linked to chores but instead with your guidance on how to spend, save and share. This is the difference. You will be expecting them to use their money wisely and you will be there to guide them.

• Family Responsibilities
– Decide if there are certain responsibilities required as a member of the family, if so, they have nothing to do with allowance.
– If responsibility is not fulfilled, a loss of privileges would be more appropriate than loss of allowance.
• Chores for Allowance
– If a child doesn’t need their allowance that week is it acceptable not to do the chores?
– Do you want your child to ask you “How much?” every time you ask them to do something around the house?
• Compromise
– Pay for “extra” jobs around the house. This gives children the opportunity to earn extra money.

Reminder - Goal:
• Allowances teach money management
• Chores teach family responsibility