Instilling values in children shouldn't always revolve around rewards, or else they will learn to expect rewards for everything. This goes double for chores, because then they will end up feeling like they have to be patted on the back for completing a task that they should be already doing like second nature. I understand the need for making a big deal about it so that it forms a habit, but there are better ways to go about doing this than rewarding with money.
CHORE CHART
Much like a schedule to indicate routines, a chore chart is a handy way for young children to learn what is expected of them and other members in the household. Use colorful pictures and labels to denote chores for a pre-reader, and invest in a magnetic or wipe-off board for the wall or refrigerator to keep track of chores for older children and even other adults.
Brainstorm some ways a toddler can contribute to the house's wellbeing, and assign a task. 3 and 4 year olds love to help out, and it is wise to start them on regular tasks when they are still willing, or else as they grow older, they will (mostly) not want to when you try bribing them with money. Talk to your child's preschool or daycare provider to come up with ideas as well. There might be tasks within the classroom that could be applied to your daily life at home-such as sweeping the floor, wiping down counters after using the sink, or putting away toys.
Another way to get children involved in chores is to let them see you working in the house. Let them observe your attitude on cleanliness-and show them how fun it can be! Put on some music, make it a game-set a timer or dress up in silly clothes if you have to. Let them help you complete one of your chores, and see where their strengths and interests are in tackling those same chores themselves. This also might sound funny, but a great way to show children about getting satisfaction out of manual labor can be done through the use of a few television programs or movies. For my daughter, watching Snow White clean the cottage of the Seven Dwarves inspired her to dust the staircase, sweep the floors, and set the table. Children's family sitcoms as shown on channels like Disney, Noggin, PBS, or PBS Sprout instill some great ideas, and spark conversations.
CLUBS
While it might sound odd for young children to be involved in clubs, there is something to be said about learning discipline and values through extra-curricular activities. You might already be familiar with the Girl and Boy Scout programs, which encourage children to grow up to be responsible, resourceful adults. Recently, I came across a Christian alternative that I am in the process of trying out with my daughter. It is called Keepers of the Faith, and unlike the Girl or Boy Scouts, the program is co-ed, there are no membership fees, fundraisers, or camping trips required. It can be done within a family, home school group, children's church, or other child-based organization. The premise behind it is to teach children how to perform home tasks and have the confidence to explore their talents, with a nondenominational undertone. You don't have to report to anyone, and supplies are minimal.
There are four handbooks, categorized by age and gender:
Little Keepers of the Home for girls ages 4-6
Keepers of the Home for older girls through age 14
Little Contenders of the Faith for boys ages 4-6
Contenders of the Faith for older boys through age 14
Each of the handbooks have suggested chores and skills to develop in your youngsters, including place setting, memorizing Bible texts, sewing, wood working, and gardening to name a few. To go along with the handbook, there are kits you can purchase for enhancing the skills. The website is www.keepersofthefaith.com and you can request a free catalogue or browse products available for purchase online. Additionally, there is a forum for existing groups to connect online. If you do a search on Google or Yahoo you'll find there are a number of KOF programs around the U.S., and you can always contact one to get a feel for what they have to offer and learn what other children think about it.
IN THE END...
If you do decide to give children money to spend on their own things, suggest it be for something they do for someone else-volunteering to walk a neighbor's dog, or trading a chore with you or someone else in the home (or completing a chore that different than one already expected of them). Work together with your neighbors and extended family members on possibly letting them pay your children for the chores they do. This will guide them to understand the value of money and hard work, and to become civic-minded. Whichever way you approach, realize that changes won't happen overnight. Be fair, consistent, patient, and compromising where possible. Remember, children learn best by watching you-your actions and your attitude.