There are lots of different perspectives on allowances and paying kids for chores. I’m not here to change anyone’s mind; just to share what has worked for us. We don’t pay our kids an allowance, instead our view is more focused on learning how real life works. If you want extra money you can earn it!
We don’t pay them for every chore, there are some that are required tasks assigned to each kid just because they are part of the family and we all pitch in to keep the household running. Here are the assigned chores our kids do “just because mama said so”:
- Empty and load the dishwasher
- Wash dishes (that don’t go in the dishwasher)
- Set and clear the table
- Make their beds and keep rooms clean
- Wash their own laundry, fold and put away (ages 6+)
- Clean bathrooms
- Tidy up living areas
- Gather Chicken Eggs
- Feed the Cats, Dogs and Bunny
There are other chores beyond these that I don’t mind paying for because I don’t like doing them or because it truly does help me out as their mom! Their ability to do this will depend on their age, so you’ll have to decide which of these your kids can do well (with initial help and training) and deserve to earn something for it.
9 Chores Kids Can Do to Earn Money
The chores I pay for are not vital to the everyday running of the home, but are nice for them to be done. These are the kinds of things you might actually pay someone else to do if you felt so inclined.
“Babysit” younger siblings
I have paid my older girls to babysit their younger sisters while I’m home and in another room. It is usually when I need to be able to do something without interruption, and I talk with them about how babysitting means you are actively watching and interacting with them, not being in a room reading and not paying attention!
Work in the yard
Yard work doesn’t feel quite as urgent as indoor tasks, so I’m happy to pay my kids to do certain outside tasks. Especially in the summer, it’s nice to let them be out in the heat instead of me! Some tasks that I will pay them to do outside include pulling weeds, raking leaves, and picking up sticks or pinecones so that my husband can mow the grass. What to pay: You may choose to pay per stick or for the amount of time they spend working. I tend to pay for every 30 minutes they spend in the yard working. We’ve also done 1¢ per piece of trash or other items. They learned the basic tenet of capitalism quickly… the harder you work the more money you can make!
Organize cabinets
This is another task perfect for older kids that is really nice to have done, but that I don’t always feel like I have time to do. I have paid our kids to organize certain kitchen cabinets or our huge game cabinet that somehow ends up a total disaster every couple of months. What to pay: I would pay a flat rate per cabinet, depending on the amount of work it would require, probably $2-3 per cabinet.
Ironing
I don’t know about you, but I hate ironing. We actually don’t wear clothes very often that need ironing, and I confess when we do that my husband normally irons them. But if you can pay your kids to iron, it not only teaches them an important life skill, but takes off something you hate! What to pay: You could pay per article of clothing—I’d pay about 50¢ each.
Wash the car
Paying kids to wash the car is way cheaper than going to a car wash! I don’t pay them necessarily for just washing the outside, but if they clean the entire car inside and out then I’m glad to pay! I also expect them to vacuum, and find all the hidden smelly things under seats… What to pay: I usually pay my kids about $3-$5 to clean the car, as it’s pretty strenuous work, especially when it’s hot outside.
Wipe baseboards
I’m getting too old to do this job, so I’m happy to pay the kids to do it a couple times a year. What to pay: I pay per room, depending on the number of baseboards they have to do.
Dusting
I don’t dust nearly as often as I probably should, which means I’m almost always willing to pay a volunteering kid to do it. What to pay: I would probably pay a flat rate per room, maybe 50¢-$1.50, depending on the amount of dusting required.
Wash bed linens
For me, this job includes stripping the beds, washing the linens, and then remaking the beds. Older kids and teenagers can likely do this entire job from start to finish by themselves. What to pay: I would pay $1 per bed, provided the child is doing the whole process themselves.
Wash windows
This job usually falls to my husband, but it’s not his favorite. What to pay: I pay 25¢ per window, more for a few very large windows that we have.
Again, everyone feels differently about paying kids for chores at all! I know that I didn’t get paid for chores growing up. But I do believe that paying for some chores gives them some independence to earn money in a safe environment, and it also takes a few things off my plate. In other words, it’s a win-win.
Do you pay your kids for chores? Are there any I left off? Let us know in the comments!