Did you know that you shouldn't pay your child for their chores?
Just as you don't get paid for the meals you cook for your family or for driving your children to basketball practice, your children need to understand that they are expected to be contributing members of the family, too. (By the age of 3, children should be given age-appropriate chores like helping to set the table for dinner or clearing away non-breakable dishes.) Paying a child to help around your home can easily create an unhealthy attitude of "What will I get if I do this…?" every time they are asked to do something. A combination of individually assigned chores (so-and-so takes the garbage out each week) and an atmosphere where it is the norm to pitch in together to address a need (ex: everyone helps unpack groceries from the car) can help children develop a sense of responsibility. If they need help to understand why they are expected to contribute, make connections between the privileges they enjoy (i.e., use of the t.v., computer, telephone) and their responsibility to contribute to the home you all share.
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