Can they make money for doing extras?  Washing the car and cleaning out the garage were considered above and beyond chores and we were able to ask to do them once a week for pay.  Also, is there something that they can make and sell to people?  My sister had a bread business when she was 10 until she graduated high school where she baked bread for the neighbors.  There are ways that you can make money while at the same time having the policy that chores are an expected part of contributing to the family.

Personally, we don't give allowance for chores, but then our kids are really young.  I hope that we don't change that policy though.

Right now, my son is just about to turn 4, and we have just started an allowance of $1/week.  Right now, his chores are simple -- to clean his playroom up every night (toys in appropriate bins and the bins put up), and he has to straighten his room every day (straighten bed, put dirty clothes in hamper, shoes in basket, and books on bookcase).  We are starting off small, and then when he turns 4, I think we will add stuff like sorting the clothes, loading/unloading the dishwasher (with help), feeding the puppy in the morning/evening, and just little things.  Hope that helps!

I stink at allowance! I always say I am going to do it, then I forget, and my kids forget! Each year I resolve to create "job" charts, and each year it lasts about 2 weeks! 

We don't give an allowance for chores, either.  I want them to understand that we're a family, and we help each other out simply because we're a family.

That being said, they don't have a ton of required chores.  I always keep a list posted of extra chores that are available; they can 'interview' for an ongoing chore, and it pays weekly.  Once they've signed up for an extra chore, they have to do it for the full week, though :) So far it's worked well for us.

 

Thanks for the ideas! I have two kids one soon to be 11 and a 5 year old.  The eleven year old is starting to ask for more things. She is not greedy or anything but she is really into certain books and wants them on her shelf.  I want her to start to pay for these things and other things that just come up like school yearbooks etc...  I think I will take Heather's advice and consider it a extra chore that must be done for the whole week in order to get paid.  I want these jobs to be something they have to work at like in real life. 

 I think another chart in their room for the chores that are just expected of them is in order as well. The kids were given some money to share from an out of state grandparent so I just ordered Ramseys Financial Peace Junior and the whole set of his childrens books. 

 We just got the package last night they were so excited to see the wipe off chart  (which by the way also has a spot for you to record "fines" ) We read two of the books last night they have some nice lessons and they are fun to read.  The kids are excited I think they are going to force me to keep up with it. 

We give an allowance that is not tied to chores (although the kids are required to do chores).  Our boys are all teens so there is so much they can do around the house.  They each get $10/week.  We do take allowance away as a consequence for bad behavior or violating rules, though. 

As for chores, the kids do all the dishes (they rotate who does them each night).  Our house rule is that whoever cooks does not have to clean up.  So I rarely have to clean up!  Our oldest (14) does his own laundry and they are responsible for the pet duties (changing the bird cage, feeding the fish, and changing the kitty litter).  They hate these chores the most.  In the summer, they swap off mowing the grass (except for the one with bad allergies - he does inside chores), raking leaves, and and trimming.  It might sound like a lot but they really don't have a ton of chores.  They have to keep their rooms clean and we rally them for big projects like cleaning out the basement.

We have been doing that for several years and its interesting to watch what they learn about money.  One son buys candy at 7-11 almost as soon as he gets his.  The other two are a bit better at saving for something they really want.

I do not get an allowance for picking up after my kids, scrubbing nasty toilets and bossing bratty kids arounds. I am part of a family unit and it takes every member to run our household. My children are expected to clean their rooms daily, do their part of the dishes, trash, and helping care for our family dog. In exchange when there is extra money in our budget (because we include our kids on how to save money) if they want or need something then we can discuss it as a family. Maybe it's a bit unconventional but my kids understand money based on how it affects the family and not the childs penny bank. My 12 year old can tell you which sour cream was cheaper at the store and in effect he was able to rent a video game because he helped the family all week. Hope that makes sense.

I also do not give my kids an allowance.  They are given opportunities to earn money, such as picking rocks out of the garden, or picking up the walnuts from the trees.  Household chores though is everyone's responsibility, so we definitely don't do an allowance.

We have a tin can though, and when they were first learning how to count money, they were told if they found change anywhere around the house, it was theirs if they could count it.  When they want something, I make them find out how much it is, and to count their money to see if they afford it.  If not, they ask for work!  Nothing is easy in this house. ;)

I've always felt that children should help out just because they're part of the family. But, we've given our kids opportunities to earn money by doing bigger jobs.

We use the Power of 3 for chores. It's working pretty well, and I even use it for myself...chores, blog, etc.

I have often tried to give allowance, and it always seems like something comes up and we never stick to it.

My boys often get extra things though, so it all equals out.