Your kids are clamoring for an allowance, and what better way to allow them to earn one than with regular chores? Contributing to the workload around the house benefits the entire family. Completing chores boosts children's self esteem by making them feel like a valued part of the team. Chores not only teach children responsibility, they're also a way to lend you a helping hand with the household duties. {relatedarticles}Before you go likening simple chores to slave labor, think again. Parenting experts agree that chores make feel children feel needed. They instill a feeling of capability in children. They also teach kids to have a good work ethic, which will definitely come in handy down the line. Of course, before you put your children to work, you've got to have a plan. Create a list of chores from which your children can choose. Make sure they're age appropriate. In other words, you won't want your 6-year-old child mowing the lawn. Instead offer up tasks that they can perform safely to their best ability.
Once you've assembled a database of applicable chores, create a chore chart. In the chart, there should be the list of chores, the frequency of the chores and a box that can be checked one the tasks are completed. The list of duties should be specific. Take out the trash. Feed the dogs in the mornings and in the evenings. {relatedarticles}Empty the dishwasher. Before you start the chore regimen, show your children what you expect with each chore so that there are no surprises. Once he or she has the hang of it, let your child handle it on his or her own. Unless they need to be reminded, don't nag. Instead praise your child once he or she has completed the chore. The chart is an excellent way to monitor your child's progress. The next step is to agree on an appropriate allowance. For younger children who complete tasks such as making their beds, clearing the table or preparing their own lunches, start with a dollar or less a day. Find an allowance that you feel is fair.