The Hunnicutt Homestead

Paid Family Workers

Today I got  to paint more honey supers with N.  He was thrilled to have an extra job to do and after he had cheerfully said he would help I gladly offered to pay him two dollars for his work.  He was very excited and cheerfully went to work.

When C heard that money was involved, I found that he had picked up the dogs'  little yard gifts, given the dogs baths and brushed out their fur, as well as began volunteering to do just about every chore under the sun, for a little bit of cash.

I am conflicted over how to handle this.  One the one hand, I want the kids to enjoy the accomplishment of work and feel like a contributing and valued member of the family without payment.  On the other, I would like them to have a tangible reward for hard, cheerful work that is beyond their normal chores.  I also think that when they earn money doing extra work, they appreciate how much things cost, and learn how to manage their time and money.

In any event I am out about $12 after all was said and done today.  I'm beginning to feel like a sucker who really needs to lower my wages as well as my job opportunities!

Our kids don't get a weekly allowance for doing chores, so currently the extra work they do is paid.  I would love to hear from other people how they manage this. 

Happy Working!

work for hire

{ 07:46, Wednesday, May 28, 2008 } { Posted by Illoura }

I think you're on the right track- paying for the EXTRA chores, but maybe one way to 'regulate' it might be to use a list or chart of chores, the amount it pays (ONLY if done right/well), and perhaps an "application" for doing the job- a summary of what the earned $ will go toward. This will teach saving, expressing and reaching goals and keeping track of efforts as well. This keeps it from being a 'free-for-all taking advantage and may do something to keep things from getting out of hand, as well as giving you some control - since you have to put a stamp of approval on the goals.


Edited by Illoura on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:48

from Casey

{ 11:03, Saturday, June 7, 2008 } { Posted by Anonymous }

Marcie - you are an inspiration to me! Planting and working the soil both in your garden and in your children's lives! I have recently began paying the kids for their extra work (folding towels for L and poop patrol for S) and I believe it makes them feel like a productive member of society! And they can "see" the fruits of their labor. I think it is an awesome way to teach them, in a very simplistic way, the value of a dollar and what to do with their money. I have them put $.25 into give, $.25 into saving and $.50 into spend. they can work up to that hot wheels or nail polish and they earned it! :) thank you for blogging and I say amen to your efforts! :) casey

Untitled Comment

{ 08:39, Tuesday, July 1, 2008 } { Posted by CandyFoote }

Happy 4th of July!

Candy