Because he is motivated, that's why!!

Some of you may remember my lamentation last spring that my children either grumbled or complained about their chores or did them incompetently.  I can't remember exactly where I got the idea, but several months ago, I implemented a new plan that did not involve evil threats or torture.  I got three magnetic locker baskets and hung them on the fridge.  I put an 'A' on one and an 'H' on the another.  I filled the third with color-coded popsicle sticks, labeled with their regular chores and extra jobs.  The color indicates the price of the job.  For example, all yellow sticks are $0.25, all cream sticks are $0.20......I know...I'm cheap.  Now, when they complete a job, and I've checked to make sure they have indeed done it proficiently, they put their stick in their basket, and on Sunday I reward them with cold, hard cash.

Does it work?  Well, let me just say, you would think I was offering them tickets to Disney World, instead of a mere four bucks or so.  I'm not sure what the magic ingredient is.  Maybe it's their spirit of competetion.  Maybe it's getting to choose, to some degree, what chores they do.  Maybe it's the tactile feel of the popsicle stick in their grubby little palms.  Maybe it was the pixie dust I sprinkled on them while they slept.  I don't know...and frankly, I don't care because my house is getting clean and, for once, I didn't clean all of it.  Hallelujah!

Do they still complain?  Sometimes, a little.  But, trust me, it's nothing like the Oscar-worthy whining that used to occur.  So don't worry, Helen Mirren and Forrest Whitaker....your little golden statues are safe for now.

That is the rather lengthy reason my boy is on the countertop.  He is trying his best to earn a full $0.25 by unloading the dishwasher., dirty feet and all. 

Nevermind that I now have to wipe the whole thing down with antibacterial wipes......and is that flour on my wall?  Ummm...excuse me...I'll be right back....I need to make a "wipe the flour off the wall" stick.

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Posted by jess4him

Looks like you have a system down!

I like the color of your kitchen wall.. it's the same as ours! :)

thanks for the comment on my blog,
jess

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Posted by Anonymous

Ooh! I'm supposed to be working on the budget and I could so use a popsicle stick or two or twelve! Can I come and take all of their chores? *mwahahaha*

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Posted by BChsMamaof3

Isn't it amazing what they'll do with a little incentive!? LOL. My son is 8 and he has just recently started to get paid for jobs around the house and he loves as do I without the grumbling : )
Blessings,
BChsMamaof3

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Posted by mycrazylife

What an awesome idea! I have done similar things, but I am never consistent and it fades over time. I will have to try this one. Where did you get magnetic baskets? I don't think I have ever seen any.

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Posted by quietcajun

Yay for motivation!!!

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Posted by becominglikehim

sweet ideas!!! glad it's working for ya!
I'm responding to your comment on my site...becominglikehim...yes I'm the other Kelliann. just wanted to say hi. I put myself in a precarious situation I think...my blog is anonymous and now my name is on it...not your fault by the way...i just couldn't resist meeting another kelliann!!!!
thanks for stopping by and I look forward to chatting with ya!

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Posted by proverbsmomof3

I go through the same drama around here. They have assigned chores and alternate weeks, yet every day it's the same routine: "It's not my job" "I did it last week". Never mind that there is a chart from the last 6 months with specific directions as to who does what. Maybe I'll have to give your method a try. How do they pick their jobs? Randomly? Or just when their looking for money?
My kids used to climb the counter also to put things away, but my son being 6'3" and daughter almost 5'6", I better not catch them. LOL
Thanks for sharing your method.
Blessings,
Ginny

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Posted by subbertfamily

but all of my dishes (plates, bowls, glasses) are on the bottom shelves just for this purpose. Anyone who comes over comments how strange it is, but the kids can reach it and nothing gets broken in the process. I ask that they put anything that goes up high, on the countertop. Its alot less fuss!! And much less time for mom!!

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