As we begin to instill the importance of chores in my 5-year-old son, his responsibilities currently include tidying up his toys nightly and assisting me with tasks like laundry and vacuuming. Admittedly, his version of vacuuming often involves an exploration of what various objects can be inhaled by the hose—an unexpected engineering lesson in itself. Recently, we’ve also introduced an allowance system where he receives $1 each for spending, saving, and donating, based on guidance from financial author Ron Lieber. Lieber emphasizes that allowance should serve as a financial education tool rather than a reward for chores. It’s crucial for children to learn to manage money effectively, including budgeting, recognizing needs versus wants, and saving for future purchases. Just as we provide food and shelter without a direct “earning” process, we also offer allowance to teach financial responsibility.
This raises an intriguing question: should children be able to earn extra money through additional chores? A recent post by Maria Jensen on social media sparked a discussion about the merits of compensating children for household tasks, especially those that go beyond their daily chores. There are many essential tasks that contribute to a well-functioning home, such as cleaning gutters, vacuuming the car, or organizing the pantry.
Initially, I considered mirroring Jensen’s approach of offering extra money for specific chores like raking leaves or washing the dog. However, I reflected on the broader implications of raising boys in today’s world. Throughout my own experiences with various male figures in my life, I’ve often observed that while household tasks are shared, it is frequently women who manage the chore lists and ensure things get done. My aim is not merely to teach my sons to wash their dishes without protest; rather, I want them to develop a comprehensive skill set for managing a household.
I want my sons to grow into adulthood equipped with essential domestic skills, such as meal planning, dusting, and maintaining the home. I hope they won’t find themselves asking partners for direction on what to do, but instead will confidently know what needs to be accomplished.
The myriad of tasks necessary for a household’s smooth operation—like determining how much food to prepare for a gathering or knowing when to clean out the refrigerator—require a proactive mindset. I want my boys to cultivate these household management skills alongside their financial literacy.
If I attach payment to chores, there’s a risk they might refuse certain tasks or only select the enjoyable ones, which doesn’t reflect the reality of adult life. Sometimes, you find yourself handling less-than-pleasant chores without a paycheck. So, while I assist my son in cleaning out the vacuum hose, which currently harbors an ace of hearts, I am consciously preparing him for the responsibilities of adulthood.
For more insightful content on parenting and household management, consider checking out our other articles linked here, such as this one on home insemination or this informative resource from Make a Mom. For those navigating pregnancy, March of Dimes offers excellent week-by-week guidance that can be beneficial.
Summary
In conclusion, I choose not to pay my sons for chores to foster a sense of responsibility and equip them with essential life skills for managing a household. By focusing on their intrinsic motivation to contribute to family life, I hope to prepare them for the realities of adulthood.