The value of EARNING a dollar!

"Daddy can I have Incredible Hulk?, can I have Ninja Turtles?, can I have this toy and that toy?" So I venture out back to the money tree and... look at that, it's not blooming anymore son! Actually as a result of Andon asking for so many things lately I decided that now is a good time to bring a few things in line. Andon already helps around the house (cleaning his room, feeding the dog etc) but Andon has to be told (I know, what 4 year old doesn't need to be). My thinking is it's never to early (or late) to learn something. If Andon wants toys he needs to earn them. If Andon wants to spend ALL of his money on one toy then Andon can do that (I am sure I will have a chart for responsible spending in the future!) What I want now is to start teaching Andon the value of earning things.

So we set off to get supplies to build Andon a visual chart. I want Andon to see each day that his hard work and contributions have an effect on not just him (getting money) but assisting the family as well. He completes a chore (setting the table, cleaning his room, feeding the dog) he earns a smiley face. Each smiley face equals $0.25, three chores a day will equate to $0.75 and each week he can earn $5.25 per week. If Andon chooses to not do a chore he gets a write up, three write ups and he's fired! (just kidding, sorta!) On Daddy days or the weekends when Andon is out with us and he begins the "I want" speech, this will be our opportunity to teach Andon about what he has vs what things cost. Stay tuned for the "I want a raise" talk...