Kids at Work

I'm happy to report that my kids are officially learning and actually doing chores around the house. I've always required that they do certain things around the house but I've never made it official with a chore chart and reward system. The three of them are responsible for three different types of chores. Personal chores- put things they get out back in their homes, brush their teeth, be kind and respect others, scripture study and prayer etc. Family chores- chores they do because they live in a house and make messes: clean out dishwasher, take out garbage, sweep kitchen flour, sort and help load laundry, etc... and $ Chores- more difficult chores that I pay them for: clean out fridge $2, wash windows $.50, sweep off front porch and door $.75.There has been, of coarse, some whining. However, its been very brief. I will help them with some of their jobs if they do it willingly and cheerfully. The only big problem so far is that my 7 year old woke up at 6:30 am last week and wanted to make some money. Do you think he chose one that he could do quickly and without any parental supervision? Not on your life. He chose clean out the fridge for $2. He started with inside the door because we decided it needed the most help. I told him the steps, got him the supplies he needed, and made sure he understood that he had to it right to get the two bucks and he went to town. It took probably a 1/2 hour or so and it looked awesome!! I was really excited, not only was it clean but he organized it too. It's been so cute to watch how pleased he is with the job he did every time he opens the fridge. When I was young I changed sprinkler pipes on our 11 acres and helped with inside and outside chores. I felt like a slave but of coarse I now understand why my parents wanted me to have responsibilities. I really want my kids to understand why work is important and the satisfaction of a job well done. So this little experience with my oldest was a bit inconvenient but worth it when it was done. I told my oldest the story of the ants and the grasshopper and in the middle of it he told me he was like the grasshopper but that he should be more like the ants. I'm grateful for the privilege to teach my little ones life's lessons.