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Chores and pocket money
Chores and Pocket Money By Lauren Bassett
As parents, it’s important to teach children to gradually take on more responsibility and grow into adults who can take care of their own basic needs. Completing household chores can be the first step in this journey.
But how to do you encourage children who are reluctant to lend a hand? Here are some useful tips to help get your child on board.
Start Early
When it comes to chores, toddlers are often very keen as they like to copy and mimic your behaviour. Take advantage of this stage whilst it lasts! Remember, any chore requires training. Do a chore with your child, then, once they are confident, encourage them to do it alone. If it's not done exactly how you would want it, praise the effort and next time show your child how to improve.
Child Friendly Equipment
Household equipment suitable for young children will help encourage little ones to pitch in. Items such as child sized brooms, dust pans or watering cans will go a long way to making your child feel helpful.
Plenty of Praise
Praise liberally and before they’ve finished the chore. You want to build positive momentum, especially with young children.
Be Specific
You need to be very clear with your child about what you expect. Rather than say “tidy your room,” be explicit and say: “Put your toys in the toy box.”
Add Some Fun
Change things up every so often, adding chores as children get older. For younger kids, add music or make chores part of a game.
Pocket Money for Chores
There are differing opinions about paying children for chores. For some parents the idea of earning all your money sends a good message. Others think children should help out because they are part of the family. Some parents choose to give a regular amount of weekly pocket money but allow their children to earn extra by doing chores.
Whatever view you take, as children get older and the novelty wears off, you may find it more difficult to motivate them without a reward. As it is also a key parental responsibility to teach children the value of money, it makes a lot of sense to link their pocket money to at least some of their chores to show them that money has to be ‘earned.’
How Much?
Pocket money surveys are rarely consistent on a ‘going rate’ for children’s pocket money. Amounts vary significantly depending on the age of child and where you live. The government-backed independent Money Advice Service advises that the amount actually isn’t important; what matters is that children learn how to value and manage their own money. You may also be already giving your child money to spend, so you won’t be any worse off setting a regular amount and making sure they understand that they are responsible for the ‘one off’ things you have been paying for.
At What Age?
This is largely a matter of personal choice. Many parents start when their child is around 4 or 5 years old. Others wait until their child is older. As a rule of thumb, if your child understands you need money to buy things, they are probably ready to start managing pocket money.
Age Appropriate Chores
Not all chores are suitable for all ages and as children get older, the types of chores they can handle will inevitably change. In general, pre-schoolers can handle one or two simple one-step or two-step jobs. Older children can manage more. Keep in mind that your child can probably do more than you think. If they are mastering a complicated computer game, they can easily turn on the dishwasher! Age 2 to 3 Pick up toys/books Choose clothes to wear Put dirty clothes in basket Put shoes away
Age 4 to 5 Make their bed Water flowers Feed pets Take utensils out of dishwasher and put away
Age 6 to 8 Set and clear table Keep bedroom tidy Sweep the floor Make their bed neatly
Age 9 to 10 Dust furniture Hang/fold clean clothes Put groceries away
Age 10 to 12 Vacuum carpets Wash car Fold laundry Unload dishwasher More info: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk and www.growingkids.co.uk
