Pro Pay or No Pay?
Should we be paying our kids to do their chores?
That’s the question we posed to our Osper parents last month. Over 250 responses later it seems pro pay is the more popular choice:
Check out some of the responses below:
Both
“I was never paid for chores growing up and I learnt that the chores that I did were things that needed to be done and it also taught me how to work together as a family. I do however pay my 11 year old to do chores. There are some things he just has to do like keep his room clean and hoover upstairs but I pay him for other little jobs. This has allowed him to save money and learn it’s value. He he also learnt how to manage it and saves for things .”
“I think a bit of both. I think they should do basic chores ie empty the dishwasher, put their plates away, walk the dog around the block, put bins out etc without being paid to do so as they should help out and contribute to the families daily jobs when they are able to do so. As a single mum why should I do everything for 3 boys when two of them now 17,15, are bigger than me, stronger than me and taller than me. If I’m working it’s only fair we ‘all’ do some jobs. Otherwise I believe I will raise 3 very spoilt and ungrateful children who expect everything to be done for them, expect to be taxied around and cleaned up after all of the time. However, I believe some jobs ie washing the car, cleaning the car, cutting the grass etc aren’t everyday small ones and could get paid pocket money for. This is what I do. Otherwise one person simply becomes exhausted. My kids moan about it but I think they’re lessons and they need to know that there’s a lot of work to do in the house to get it running smoothly and to keep it neat and tidy. With 3 boys it most certainly doesn’t clean itself. ”
Pro Pay
“If children want money, they shouldn’t just be handed it, what kind of lesson is that? They need to earn it and learn that’s how life works. There’s no harm in asking them to complete extra work around the house if they want extra cash in their hands. We have a rule that my daughter earns £5 per week on condition she walks the dog every day and helps with anything she’s asked at home without complaining. ”
“I think children should learn that in reality nothing is free!i think that by starting from an early age teaching children to respect there home and work at chores does deserve reward such as pocket money but if they don’t do what I personally expect for example making bed,taking meal plates to the sink,cleaning there room then they should not be rewarded…..teaching children to work for reward from a young age prepares them for life outside the home and eventually a real work environment.”
“My 14 year old son gets £15 per month for doing chores everyday. It is very important to teach children to earn their pocket money. This prepares them for the future when they have a real job!”
No Pay
“I think they should do them without being paid, our family works as a team and we all (in theory) have equal responsibility for the chores. My kids have an easy life compared to many, the least they can do is help us when we ask! However, if I have to ask my kids repeatedly to tidy their bedrooms, and they get in a real state, then I go in with a bin bag, the Hoover and some antibacterial spray, and blitz them. I then invoice them for £20 😉 ”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to pay a family member to do day to day chores because there should already be a sense of helpfulness within that child that they want to be part of family stuff (not just the good bits). If they put a monetary value on all that they do, how do they learn selflessness? However, for extraordinary things, like decorating or loft clearing, then, yes, a thank you present is a nice idea to give to your child). ”
“When our sons were eight and five, we started giving them an allowance based on chores, too. You know what it got me? Two boys who wanted money any time I asked them to do something around the house. It started to drive me loony, so we decided to change tactics. My husband and I sat down with the boys and explained the responsibilities required to keep the house running smoothly. They got a list of tasks we expected them to do each day — not because they were being paid, but because it’s part of being in a family. They do receive a monthly allowance, but it’s not contingent on chores.”
Join the debate, what do you think? Comment below.
Comments
