Your cart is currently empty!
Why I Choose Not to Pay My Kids for Chores
As we begin to introduce chores to my 5-year-old son, he currently has the simple task of putting away his toys and “helping” with laundry and vacuuming. Admittedly, his idea of vacuuming is more about discovering what he can suck up with the hose—it’s practically a science experiment. The ace of hearts he found was a real highlight!
We’re also giving him an allowance—$1 for spending, $1 for saving, and $1 for giving—using a jar system inspired by a parenting book I came across. The author suggests that allowance shouldn’t be tied to chores; it’s meant to be a tool for teaching kids about managing money rather than a reward for work done. Just like we don’t expect our kids to “earn” food and shelter, we provide them with an allowance to help them learn budgeting, saving, and understanding their needs versus wants.
This brings us to the question of whether children should earn extra cash for additional chores. A friend shared a post on social media that got me thinking about this. Many readers chimed in about the pros and cons of paying for chores, whether it’s for daily tasks or those extra jobs that keep a household running smoothly. From cleaning gutters to organizing the garage, there are plenty of chores that need doing.
Initially, I thought about offering a little extra for specific tasks, like raking leaves or washing the dog. However, I considered the dynamics of raising boys and the men I’ve known over the years. In many cases, while chores were shared, it often felt like I was the one keeping track of everything that needed doing. Sure, partners pitch in, but it’s usually the woman who manages the mental load of household tasks.
I want my boys to learn how to handle these responsibilities without needing constant direction. It’s important to me that they know how to meal plan, clean, and manage the little details of running a home. I don’t want them to grow up expecting their future partners to tell them what to do—rather, I want them to be proactive and self-sufficient.
If I start paying them for chores, there’s a chance they might refuse certain tasks or only choose the “fun” ones. That’s not a realistic approach to adulthood, where sometimes you just have to tackle the less glamorous jobs without any financial incentive. So, for now, I’ll show my son how to clean out a vacuum hose—yes, the ace of hearts is stuck in there!
If you’re interested in more about parenting, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination at Intracervical Insemination or learn more about artificial insemination at Make a Mom. For information on pregnancy and home insemination, Kindbody provides excellent resources.
In summary, I believe that teaching my boys responsibility and household management skills is more valuable than incentivizing them with money for chores. I want them to grow into capable adults who can manage their own homes without needing to be told what to do.