Hey moms, have you heard about the new app that promises to make your kids "beg" to do chores? That's right, it's called -- um, look, you're really gonna need to stop laughing if you want me to tell you more. Can you stop that, please?
Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, so this app is called "Choremonster," and it's basically the smartphone generation's take on Ye Olde Sticker Chart (you know, those things you put stickers on every time your kid washes the dishes or whatever and then when the chart's all filled up and/or you run out of stickers they get a prize?).
Now, some parents have a problem with this idea because they think rewarding kids for doing stuff around the house they should be doing anyway sends the wrong message. That they'll grow up spoiled and entitled and lazy. That they won't lift a finger unless some sort of compensation is involved.
And you know what? Why should they?
Look, I'm not gonna buy this particular app because I know damn well NOTHING would ever make my kids "beg" to clean their rooms, and I don't do sticker charts because, quite frankly, they sound like a pain in the ass. But if my son picks up his Star Wars guys off the floor and puts them away every day this week like he promised, I'll give him a few bucks. Why not?
The fact is, rewarding kids to do chores doesn't send the wrong message, it sends the EXACTLY RIGHT message: Money makes the world go 'round, so you might as well master this whole payment received for services rendered concept now.
You think I'm being cynical? Practical is more like it. Hell, I wish I'd been raised to look at everything as a business opportunity. Paying kids to do chores is like killing two "prepare them for the future" birds with one stone: They learn how to do laundry/make beds/polish furniture AND how to handle their finances!
Plus, kids are just plain better about doing their chores when they know they're getting paid. I mean, obviously. So until Mary Poppins shows up at my house and those Star Wars guys start magically marching their action figure asses into closets, I'll pay my kids.
Do you reward your kids for doing chores?
Image via Mary-Frances Main/Flickr
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Comments 85
I pay my kids to do chores - food, clothing, shelter, indoor bathroom, etc.
They get cash for extra chores - A's on their report cards - and if they want an allowance they will have to start buying their own candy, toys, extra clothes, ect, ect - funny don't give allowences.....
Mandy, I totally agree on that concept! I am not going to reward for everything because I want them to learn that a job well done is it's own reward. But I don't mind rewarding for some things.
Saying noo rewarding them is setting them up for failure is utterly stupid. Teaching them to expect a reward for doing ANYTHING is setting them up to act like a little jerk. The phrase "What's in it for me?" comes to mind. My nephew used to refuse to do anything if he didn't get a reward.
Uh, no. Chores are a way a child learns how a household works, not how the world works. They shouldn't be paid for things that make a home run. They are part of the family and should contribute.
If they go above and beyond doing their part, they will get a special treat, but no one gets paid for simply taking care of their stuff and having basic hygiene. That is asinine.my kids Ares to the age where I f they are walking through a room and see a glass out, they just take it to the sink, and not come to me for some cash because of it.
I think its not setting them up for failure but its like if you do a good job at work they pay you plus that is why you should do a good job. But people should reward their kids if they do their chores. If not then no.
ROFLOL REally!!! I agree this is absolute BS.....I understand teaching the value of the dollar..........But seriously you don't get paid to do everything in life so why teach that lesson! My 4 year old knows her toys get put away, I aien't paying her to clean up a messa she made.......She knows her dirty dishes go in the sink after scraping the plate off........She knows her Clothes go in the washer after she changes. I am not paying her to do these lil things........ Now maybe if she does something unexpected I'll reward her but She is not going to be raised thinking shes going to be rewarded money for being part of the household.... in order for a home to function everyone that lives in it needs to help. I mean seriously!!