Paying kids for chores?

[nailslikeknives]

I'm considering paying the kids to do basic housework. They're 7&9.
If you do/have done this, what were the pitfalls and how did you organise things?
I wonder whether to pay per chore, or per group of chores to mix in easy and hard things. How to make it fair between them etc
They both need to understand the value of money more so I hope that earning it will help.
Thanks in advance

I used to do chores for money at that age. Cleaning the bathroom, hoovering, polishing shoes, I think it's a good thing. As you said teaches them the value of money. X

They also need to learn the value of helping out, pitching in, doing their bit etc. so I wouldn't pay for all chores. Keep stuff they should do anyway free and then offer them the chance to earn pocket money for doing extra jobs.

What they can do will depend on how able they are. I would say laundry is a good one, nothing too dangerous involved and they can't go too far wrong.

Lots of other jobs (dusting, hoovering, setting the table, clearing the table, doing the dishwasher etc.) can involve breakages so steer clear if you have a butter fingered child!

I would pay per chore and alternate who gets to do each chore so it's fair.

I pay for some chores-like hanging washing out/bringing in, Hoovering, wiping the skirting boards. Each get 20p. Some stuff like putting their toys away, putting their clothes away are expected without payment (tho not always done)

I like the way my parents did it. We got our basic pocket money for which we were expected to keep our room tidy and do the dishes. When mum went back to work and we were but older, we were asked to help a bit more and did hoovering and baths and sinks, there were three of us to do it.

We could then earn bonus money from washing car or cutting grass for which there was set charges for. We could also apply for a loan from bank of mum and dad if we wanted to make bigger purchases and would discuss how much we had already saved and what we could pay back each week. Fortunately no interest rates.

Don't pay for any chores and feel very strongly about it. The kids both have their duties around the house which they do because, you know, they live there so the mess they are cleaning or clearing is of their own making. Why should they get paid for it?

In terms of money, they get it when needed so they ask (if they are going out, shopping, etc.) and of course they also have birthday money from grandparents.

I never did this. Basic family living involves tidying up or taking your turn at the dishes. Nobody needs to be paid to do that in their own house. It also has the potential to backfire spectacularly when they are teenagers who don't care about the money so decide they are doing nothing.

My dad used to pay me to clean his shoes
Cherry Blossom polish, put it on, leave it, then buff to a high shine..

Thanks for the replies. I agree that pitching in and doing general basics like tidying up after yourself is really important. They're both pretty good at that.

I want to find a balanced way to give them more control over what they earn and spend on.
Would love to hear any more ideas on how and which chores to divvy up, TIA

Katinski - I want to do a bit of that fobbing off jobs I've had enough of!

I expect my daughter to keep her room tidy and put her clean clothes away after l have ironed them and since lockdown, she has to wash up sometimes and do bits and pieces as and when needed. She gets pocket money but has to stick to her side of the deal. Would happily dock her if she didn't pull her weight. But similarly would bung her and extra quid if she went above and beyond.

I pay mine pocket money and I expect chores. But chores is because I want them to learn that a house doesn,t look after itself and that they have to take responsibility and contribute. Basically teach life skills.

M y sis,bro and I did basic tidy ups when mum went back to work = no payment iirc, but extras (like cleaning and polishing dad's shoes, were nice little earners, as was polishing the walnut bedroom suite in their bedroom. I learned that if you put dabs of polish on the headboard near mum's side of the bed, she'd think I'd polished the whole room