The Lazy Daze of August

I am guilty of having summer on the brain. Amongst driving both kids to academic summer programs to getting my sleepy teen out of bed for her 8:00 am camp counselor job to reminding my taller-than-me son to wear his Aircast on his badly sprained ankle, I have violated one of my own allowance rules.

I forgot to pay allowance.

Not once, but for the whole month of July.

Yup, this is when “life happens” and all your good intensions go out the window (along with your exercise plan). One of my allowance rules is to be consistent. However, another rule is to be flexible. Whew! It’s OK make mistakes, try new things and adjust as needed.

Here are some tips for remembering to pay allowance:

1.    Schedule “Pay Allowance” on your desk calendar or electronic calendar (set the alarm)

2.    Pay on the same dates each month (i.e.15^th, 30^th) or the same day (i.e. Fri, Sun)

3.    Make a chart for the year and record the allowance as it’s paid

4.    At the beginning of each month, go to the bank and get the exact change you need to pay the allowance (i.e. tens, fives and ones)

5.    If you have to, resort to placing sticky notes around the house, near your computer or even on your wallet/checkbook (yes, I have done this on occasion)

6.    Have your kids remind you to pay them!

How do you remember to pay your kids and teens their allowance?