Lately we have been having major issues with our oldest daughter (11 years old) not doing her work properly. She has also had some moments of defiance that have turned into some major power struggles. So this week we decided to put into place a rewards system for all the kids in the house.
I actually feel pretty good about the whole system. I think my oldest will like it because she will get rewarded for what she does on a regular basis with an allowance. Since she is now a pre-teen I think some of the issues she is having has a lot to do with having more control.
She loves being able to buy things. She has proven to me before that she can be trusted with money, and is also very responsible and generous with her money as well. So I feel she is mature enough to receive an allowance.
My husband and I are working to keep the system simple. I can get pretty overwhelmed if the system is complicated – and I’m sure my kids get overwhelmed too.
What we have planned out so far:
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For my oldest who is now 11 years old – she will have a list of 8 responsibilities for the day and receive a star for each responsibility she accomplishes on a daily basis. At the end of the week (long term goal) she will receive $.10 for each star she receives resulting in an allowance. That may not sound like much but she could easily earn over $20 in one month – and for my daughter that’s plenty of a reward for her.
Also at the end of the day (short term goal) if she earns ALL her stars she will receive a free “get out of doing 1 chore” token. She can also work towards earning a raise, etc. I really like this plan because it’s SIMPLE and implements both a short and long term goal.
- For My 5 year old & 4 Year Old – They will have 5 responsibilities per day. If they have 5 stars at the end of the day they will receive a special treat like a small piece of candy or a sticker. I think this is a good starting point to get them use to having responsibilities and earning a reward.
So that’s what our family is focusing on this week.
Please feel free to share your family’s reward system in the comments section below!
About CSAHM
One thing I’ve always done with my kids – they are now 12 & 14 is make them lists – they love lists and checking off lists. Recently we set up something similar to what you are talking about – we used the Dave Ramsay “Commission Structure” program (instead of allowance). It’s has worked beautifully and seriously – my kids don’t give me any gruff about doing their list – they know if they do it they get paid – if they don’t they don’t get anything. Basically we sat down and discussed the things that they are expected to do because they are part of the family – then we made a list of 5 larger things that they needed to do every week of which they can make $5 a week if they complete them . Any extra projects (clean out the car, clean out a closet etc.) they had an oppt. to earn add’l $. There is more to it but that’s the gist of it – thanks for letting me share – have a great day!