Do you ask your child to do chores?
Does your child listen to you?

I don't remember being assigned specific chores when I was a kid. But I made my bed and set the table for dinner. And I received an allowance. But I don't think my parents withheld my allowance if I didn't do my chores. Wow. I am really foggy on all this now that I'm trying to remember! It's sad the parts of our childhood we just can't recall sometimes..

Anyway, here are some tips for getting your child to do his or her chores and learn responsibility.

http://www.sproutforparents.com/sprout/ParentsPlace/art...40-87b6-999200d95921

We've just recently started doing chores. It's still hit or miss, but we're trying to work on responsibility and it won't happen right away.

We give Jonah "treasure" (better known as a penny to you and me) when he feeds our dog and make sure that she has water. I know it's not much - and it will increase as he gets older, but for right now that shiny copper thing does the trick for him.

we started chores about 3 weeks ago. we started with something easy so they could get the hang of remember their chore.

Jacob's chore is remembering to get the mail everyday. he gets a dollar.

We are having a hard time finishing off Alex's potty training so all he has to do is poop in the potty!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL He gets a dollar. its actually working. so far he's bought a car and a truck at dollar tree. lol

next week we are adding something, so they will have to do 2 things to get their dollar.

not sure how we plan on going after that. we may do 3 things for a dollar or just 2. and just go up to 2 dollars.

So far we don't do allowance, but the kids are expected to put up their own clothes (most of the time) and to clear their plates to the sink and stuff like that. But no official chores, although I think it's a good idea and we should start them with something. I think we will keep the allowance separate, though. I have read that it is better to keep the two separate so that the money management issue is not confused with the expected chores issue,a nd so that the children don't start to think that they're supposed to be paid for doing chores - chores are part of what they're expected to do as members of the household and family. It makes sense to me. I do pay mine, though, when they do extraordinary tasks, like picking up pine cones out of the yard for two hours, things like that.

I found a great chore chart from ABC distributing and Lakeside Collection. It has the picture of the chore on a hanger, then the chores are divided by morning, afternoon, and evening. After they finish they put the card in the I did it! slot.

Check this out. This website http://www.handipoints.com helps parents teach responsible behavior. For example, kids ages 4 to 14 complete chores in the house and earn points online toward playing games in this virtual world.
Would anyone try something like this with their kids?

Lawmommy- I agree, I don't think you should pay your child for doing everyday tasks that they need to learn anyway. Things like helping wash the car and things that aren't everyday jobs I feel should be rewarded.

I didn't have a specific chore list as a child but I made my bed, picked up toys, and helped with laundry. I don't remember ever getting an actual "allowance" but I do remember getting money here and there.

Oh yeah...

Kristi- No, I would not use a website to keep teach responsibility and keep points. Isn't that what a parent is for? Just wondering... I thing we rely entirely too much on computers, I know I do. I am an adult though

I agree with Lawmommy.

My son takes care of cleaning up his plate after dinner, help put up his clothes, clean his room, etc., we dont treat them as his official chores because that is just what he is expected to do everyday. I would like to start a chores list with him though (and of course add the things he is already doing). Is there a website or something that can help put chores together for a certain age group? I want to teach him responsibilities but I dont want to give him too many things to do and over load his 5 yr old brain!

Nikolas probably has more money than I do. lol. All the money people gave us when he was born I put into savings for him. Plus when we started selling off his baby things I took the money from that and added to his savings. I hope to teach him financial responsibility when he's a bit older. You all bring up very good points about chores though. I hadn't thought about it before. I agree that he will have everyday household tasks to do that should not require "pay". I think if he does something extra that isn't a normal job for him then he will get an allowance.

I found these articles on allowance. I think there is some useful information in them. I think we will start giving a regular allowance to our 7 and 3 yo's. We don't so far, but they both know about money and save money they get from grandparents and other sources. Then they have to buy their own toys except for on special occasions. We will probably tell them they're responsible for toys and entertainment and occasional candy or gum (but we don't let them have those often anyway, and allowance won't change that). I'm thinking $2 for the 3yo and $5 for the 7yo (weekly). Is that too much? Not enough? What do y'all think?

Oops - forgot to post the link to the articles.
http://www.kidsmoney.org/allart.htm#Fea1

Buy your young child one of those toy broom and mop sets. When you use your broom or mop, let them help you with their broom or mop. This is an excellent way for boys and girls to get started concerning chores. Also, when you dust, give them a small cloth (you don't have to put any Pledge or whatever on it) and let them dust the coffee table. They really do enjoy "helping". You can find a way to let them help you do almost anything.