Two Economies

One Size Fits All?

Not at our house with earnings.

I have tried 2 different systems for work rewards/consequences 

and have found because of my children's age differences, 

just one system doesn't work for everyone.

Using BOTH systems avoids frustration.

These two systems work SO WELL without force and anger,

so I wanted to write it out to share with others 

and also to keep for my memory...in case I forget.

System 1: (3-8 year-olds)

WORK earns FOOD

BREAKFAST= Basic getting ready stuff PLUS a Housework chore 

(4 year old= unloads dishwasher

6 year old= vacuums/mops floors

8 year old= cleans bathrooms)

MORNING SNACK= Clean up Breakfast

(4 year old= loads dishwasher

6 year old= dries dishes

8 year old= clears & wipes the table)

LUNCH= Yardwork or Help Cook

(or School if they are at school)

DINNER= (we eat right after school)= Homework

(or set the table if they are toddlers at home)

DESSERT= Clean up Dinner & Take Bath/Shower

System 2: (8-12 year-olds)

WORK earns MONEY and FOOD

They still cannot eat BREAKFAST without the basics of getting ready 

(make bed, say prayers, tidy room, brush teeth, get dressed)

They have additional responsibilites now that they are older (8+) 

(Reading, Music Practice, Household Stewardship- like cooking or laundry)

But they get more freedom on when they do these things,

since they are also busier with activities, sports, etc.

There is a time for accounting "adding up" each night and

 if they have done about 90% of their duties, they get dessert with us.

Each duty is allotted points which represent money amount 

and also help in calculating the 90%.

Here is a sample chart:

Cookie Economy