Jan 12 2009
Allowance, it’s time to get creative
I have a question for all you other parents out there in blogger world. This isn’t only for the single parents, as I know plenty of you two parent families are struggling just as hard. My children are getting older now, at 11, 10, and 6 each has their own chores. The older two are watching each other and the youngest for the two hours I am not home after school. My daughter brought up a point tonight that they should be getting an allowance for doing their chores, or even getting paid for the babysitting.
Now, she did it in a very un-bratty way, which for her lately is a miracle. However, as much as I would love to give them money, right now I am so hand to mouth, paycheck to paycheck, that it isn’t even funny. There are days where I literally do not have that dollar or so to spare. Money these days is so precious, I have to watch nearly every dime. Don’t get me wrong, on one hand, I don’t want to bribe my children, as I was raised that having chores was part of being a child. These kids for the most part do a wonderful job. I have almost no worries about them while I am at work, they are so very responsible about it.
I would like to reward them in some way. With gas prices the way they are, it’s not like we could take alot of the road trips we used to, in fact none really. So I wonder, how do some of you do it? The parents out here who are like me, with no extras at most times. I know there are plenty of you out there. So toss some ideas my way, I’m literally drawing a blank slate.
Hi it is not easy having to give your children money. Maybe you could have a money box where you put the minimal you can afford each week and tell your children it is all you can afford for now, but will share it out with them equally. Or maybe you and your children could take up a part time job you do together to earn some more money. I am thinking of something like Avon or some other catalogue work. Maybe you could do car boot sales. The other thing you could do is sell things on Ebay.
I just read through your blog. You are a fine writer. Have you considered selling parenting articles to supplement your income?
Roxie
Recovery Rocks!
http://recoveryrocks.today.com/
Hard situation. I would just explain the money situation with them. Show them exactly what’s going on. This is what I bring home, this is what it costs etc.
Then with them set up a reward system that doesn’t involve money. They could decide what they want instead of $$. They could get alone time with you, game time, makeover’s, etc.
Does that work?
The best way out is to talk to them about it. There’s no point keeping it to yourself. Telling them about it will make them more mature and improve your bond.
Maybe you should ask them for an alternative too…
@ recoveryrocks I hadn’t thought about it, I also wouldn’t know where to begin.LOL
Thanks guys. This one is a work in progress..
I think the older ones at least should be able to understand the situation, so it might be worth explaining to them. It might actually be a good lesson in budgeting.
I started giving our kids an allowance, but they’re so young the amount is really minimal. I just wanted them to have the experience of handling money. Weeks that we don’t have it, they don’t get it and I make it up when I can. There’s a great book called Silver Spoon Kids by Eileen & Jon Gallo that might help you. Don’t be fooled by the title, it has great information even for those of us who are not wealthy.
Thank you so much. I’m going to look into those links today, it’s time I moved forward. My deep condolences on your loss, but at the same time, congratulations on working at keeping your daughter where she should be: a child.