The Balancing Act of Chores and Allowance

Growing up, we all had daily and weekly chores. There was complaining, but we did the chores and earned our allowance which gave us the money to go to the skating rink on Friday nights with our friends.

This prepared me for when I began working at 15. I have had a job since and knew that I had to work for what I wanted. This is something I try to instill in my girls, but I have a problem. I’m the worst at keeping on top of chore lists and allowance.

I have started the chore charts over and over. We are usually good for a few weeks and then I forget to give them their allowance and we fall off the wagon. It’s a never-ending cycle.

They know their chores even without the chart and do them without the allowance incentive, but I have made a point to teach them they must work for things they want. My husband and I will always provide them with what they need, of course. There are times they will get things they want without having to earn them… we all want to spoil our kids.

I love the chore chart and giving the girls the opportunity to earn money or rewards, but I hate it as well. Reminding them they have certain chores that need to be completed when they don’t want to is always a fun argument. Remembering to get the cash to pay their allowance is something I struggle with. I know… just get cash and have it on hand. I just don’t carry cash often and my lunch breaks are usually filled with errands.

A Few Questions to the Moms Who Have a Consistent Allowance Based Chore Chart

1. Do You Let Them Choose the Chore?

Currently, I have a list. Each chore is listed with a designated amount earned when the chore is completed. My oldest figures she can pick and choose her chores.

2. Do All Chores Have to be Completed to Earn Their Allowance?

Due to the list, I am currently using they don’t always do all the chores listed. As I stated before, my oldest is now picking which chores she wants to do.

3. What is Your Favorite Chore Chart?

I dug all over the Internet and ended up finding one and changing it up to match what I thought would work for us. If you have a chart that is tried and true for your family I would love to see it!

I’m working to keep up with the chart this time. I know it’ll be worth it to have the extra help around the house and teaching moments. Let me know if you have any tips or tricks to make this time successful!

Patrice LaBauve
Patrice is a Baton Rouge native that moved to the area to attend UL Lafayette in 2002 and never looked back. Since graduating with a degree in Public Relations she has worked in the insurance business on both personal and commercial sides. Her love of her Cajun heritage made it an easy decision to marry her New Iberia born and raised husband, Matt. They now resides in Youngsville and have two daughters Jolie (9) and Amelie (5) and her bonus son, Eli (14). On most weekdays you will find her running the roads to the dance studio, soccer field or her favorite place, 220 Fitness. The weekends are her favorite family time and are usually spent cooking with her family, watching her daughter show off her goalie skills, checking out any festival around the area, and catching all Saints and Cajuns game. She and her husband are craft beer drinkers, but she also won’t turn down a good Pinot Noir or fancy cocktail. She loves a good philanthropic event, to-do lists, singing in front of people whenever she gets the chance, her gym family and live music. Lafayette has been the perfect place to raise her children and immerse them in the culture she loves.

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