"Mom, I remember I received my allowance two weeks ago, you missed last week, and now you owe me for this week – that makes two weeks worth of allowance," my 10-year-old retorted.
"Let me see son, you can remember that I owe you allowance for two weeks – and even calculate all that I need to pay you – but you CAN'T REMEMBER TO TURN IN YOUR HOMEWORK ON TIME?"
"But Mom, this is money – this is important."
When did it start? Where did I go wrong? I thought I was teaching my children how to be responsible when I put up a neatly typed chore list on the refrigerator for their viewing pleasure. Every now and then, I find the chore list under the kitchen table, beside the sink, next to – but not quite in – the garbage can and, of course, just flat out missing in action.
When I inquire about the chore list, no one seems to know its whereabouts, but they all know how to find me when it is time to be paid for those chores.
"I did all of my chores and I am ready to be paid," my 12-year-old assured me.
I looked at him with a concerned squint, "Are you sure? What about sweeping the floor last night after dinner."
"That wasn't my job – it was Skyler's," he insisted. "Check the chore list."
"Oh yes, the chore list that has been missing since Easter. I don't need to check it. Mother's have a special place in their brains that tells them when a child has not completed a task, so get to it."
I must say, my sons have learned how to save, how to count up the cost to purchase something they desire, and how to earn extra money by doing extra chores. I found out, however, that my 6-year-old was trying to coax my 2-year-old out of his paper dollars by offering him a "shiny new nickel." I had to intervene and give a talk about deception. All in all, it has been a good experience.
Only one draw back.
I enjoy teaching my children about money and why it is important to keep track of and manage your money – as well as work for it. There are times when they seem to remember the value of money all too well.
Cardinal rule for teaching kids about money: Never borrow from them when you run out of cash at the hamburger place or ice cream shop. They will remember every rule you taught them and every penny you borrowed.
Just as you are talking to your friend that you bump into at the store, they will remind you: "Hey Mom, you still owe me 10 dollars from over two weeks ago – when are you going to pay me back? You said we should always pay back our debts."
Even the cold stare doesn't work in this scenario, they just keep on ranting and raving right over your conversation with your friend about how much they could have saved by now if you just had paid them back in a timely fashion.
All the while, I am thinking when I get to the car I am going to tie that 10 dollar bill around his lips. But I keep a smile on my face as I end my conversation with my friend, who walks away with a concerned look on her face.
Yes, allowance is a great teaching tool, but sometimes I have to wonder: Who is the one being taught?
Thanks for sharing
Cassandraism: I'll still take kids over money any day.