Each household has different expectations. I know between friends of ours and us the expectations vary greatly.

I expect my children to help out around the house and have since they were able to understand. Even as babies I would make a game out of picking up the toys. Silly songs etc until they were old enough to do it on their own.

As they got older I found a reward system worked for us. I now have an almost 6 year old who has her "own chores" and at the end of the week she is rewarded for them. I made her a chart which is placed on her door for her to see. Each chores is worth x amount of money. They are all simple chores. Remembering to brush her teeth in the morning and before bed without being asked, making her bed, putting her clothes in her hamper.

Now there is a down fall.. see I remind once. If that chore is not completed that x of money is subtracted from the total of money she is alloted. I found this to be a great way to encourage my children to keep up with their chores.

I know some do not agree with allowances but again, different expectations for different households. We all do things our own way. Perhaps a special would treat would work best in another household.

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