by Sophia Josephina

Created on: June 25, 2009

Doing household chores are part of a family life and when you include your child you are giving him or her a place in your family and in life. You make them feel needed, wanted and loved. Even if the child doesn't want to do these chores now, they will thank you in the future. You are teaching a life long lesson. Your child will, when they grow up, know how to do his or her own cleaning and cooking and running their own household.

Instead of bribing your child try to give an allowance. An allowance teaches them that they will get paid for a job that is complete and done the right way. This also teaches them that, when they grow up and go out into the "real" work force if they do what is expected of them at their work place then they get to keep their job and earn a great paycheck.

In the same respect if your child does not do their chores, then they should not get paid. Just like a "real" job. If you don't work and complete your job duties on time, you get fired - thus no more money.

By giving an allowance you are able to help your child learn good spending habits. Teaching them to save at least ten percent of their allowance - later in life you may find that your child has more money then you ever did, and isn't that what we want for our children.

Another lesson is pay for want you need first - this teaches your child that paying the rent will keep a roof over his or her head and food on the table. Then they can spend their money on things they want.

Giving your child an allowance is also another opportunity to teach tithing - "ten percent to Jesus" is what I tell my daughter. If you are not church goers then donating may be a good lesson to teach. This is a great service to your child - teaching them that there are less fortunate people and children in the world. You may find that your child's heart may start to melt as he or she begins to learn about the less fortunate people in the world.

A final note about bribing your child to do household chores, you are essentially teaching them that they can be bought for a price. This is not a lesson you want them to learn. This could lead to an adult life full of "I'll only do it if....." . You want your children to do it because this is how we live our life - you want your children to remember the values you taught them growing up - not to give in to the highest bidder.

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