Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

A key to success is motivation. If one is not motivated to complete a task, then that task will not get done until the motivation kicks into gear.

For adults, we have learned consequences for not accomplishing tasks, so we get motivated because the results are not favorable. For example, if the laundry pile grows for 3 weeks, then I will spend 3 days getting the laundry done.

If I don’t care to waste spend three days switching loads, folding, and putting away, then I find motivation in using time wisely a little at a time to keep up with the mound of laundry.

Depending on the age of the child, kids do not understand the consequences of not doing a chore or household task. Most children are not motivated to keep their rooms clean. They have not experienced rodents, spoiled carpet from spilled beverages, or missing prized items that are buried under mounds of toys and clothes.

Realizing that motivation is learned, I understand it takes time to develop motivation. In teaching our children, we start by motivating with rewards. A reward in our home comes from establishing an allowance for kids.

Paid Allowance for Kids

Started at age 3, our children receive $2.25 each month. We explain to them that we expect them to carry some of the load around the house, and by doing what they are asked to do, they receive this monthly wage.

Our children are able to put $2 in their banks while the quarter rests on their dressers until Sunday morning when they give a portion of their earnings back to the Lord.

We teach our children that everything comes from the Lord, and in honoring Him (another motivational response), we give a tithe (at least 10%) from our earnings. The conversations that arise regarding their allowance give us opportunities to teach our children about money, including giving, saving, interest, and spending.

Gift Allowance for Kids

Knowing that we were going to ask for more help from our children this summer, Paul and I gave our children a budget to spent at the Dollar Spot in Target. The spending girls maxed out their allotment, while our saving son found a few things and stopped.

We took the items purchased and put them aside. As our children show maturity and go above and beyond what we deem necessary, we take their bags of items, and let them choose a reward.

One such instance occurred when my two older children asked to help me clean our upstairs. They worked really hard for about 3 hours, and they willingly helped me out. Both of them earned a reward to which they were very excited.

In establishing an allowance for kids, each family works differently. We are moving from preschool stage into elementary stage which is uncharted territory for us.

In adjusting to the needs of our children, we are evaluating what we are teaching, how we are teaching, and the examples we are showing. We make plenty of mistakes and will learn as we go, but establishing an allowance for kids has worked thus far in our home.

Thankfully, our children enjoy depositing their allowance into their accounts at the credit union. Their motivation stems from the reward received after saving $100 for either a movie ticket or a Chick-fil-A gift card.

It will take some time for my children to reach motivation for respect, honor, and love, but they understand the motivation of rewards. Therefore, we teach and work from where they are by using an allowance program that fits our family and our budget. Happy motivating!

Question: Do you or have you had an allowance system in place at your home?