I started following a parenting guru (Ralph Jacobs of Simply on Purpose) a few months ago, and I have been so grateful for the influence she has had on me and my ability to "power as a parent to create a life full of purpose." She is all about positive parenting, building up our children, and focusing on the good.
A few weeks ago, she introduced the concept of a family economy. It was very timely because I had just read something in our Institute manual (Course: The Eternal Family) about the importance of having some sort of family economy. Well, Ralphie sent out a free plan with detailed instructions about how to implement such an economy. I went over the logistics with Kevin, and we decided to introduce it the next night for Family Home Evening. I used Ralphie's free printable charts (different ones for Brooke and Colby), but added their names before laminating them.
The whole concept of a family economy is a work and pay system. The goal is to "create a safe microcosm of the real world at home through lots of purposeful opportunities to earn, spend, save, and give that money." You are supposed to use the money you are already spending on your children, but by using this family economy system, your children learn responsibility, control, and gratitude. I was sold when she mentioned it being the antidote to entitlement.
She further explained that the family economy is not just about money. "Money becomes the vehicle for character building and value teaching. Our children are learning work ethic, self discipline, accountability, honesty, time management, delayed gratification, unity, empathy, and on and on."
I obviously simplified the concept when explaining it to the kids, but I wanted them to understand that they are doing all these great things each day, not only for themselves but also for our family. It is an optional system, but if they choose to do at least 45/50 items (Brooke), or 31/35 (Colby), they would earn $2 on the weekly payday (Saturday).
They both seemed excited about the structure of the charts and the opportunity to earn money, and as soon as the conversation was over, Brooke was off to vacuum the living room, haha. Whenever I praised her for working on the family economy during the week, she would say, "It's because I want to earn the $2." At least she's motivated, right?
Colby's chart includes the following tasks: Get dressed, make bed, clean up toys, zone, pajamas, brush teeth, and bed on time.
The zones are either kitchen or living room, and there is a specific task for each zone. The kitchen task is either dishwasher or wiping the counters. The living room task is either vacuuming or tidying up.
We just finished our second full week, and I am happy to report that they have each earned the full $2 each week. Kevin still wakes Brooke up each morning, and they still cuddle while Brooke wakes up, but now she is quick to kick Daddy out of her bed so she can make it before school. I love that she is getting into such a good habit of having more ownership over her room. The other major benefit for her has been her independence in practicing piano each day. She has so much more confidence as she practices each day, and I love that she is self-driven and motivated to figure out the notes herself.
Colby has needed a few more reminders about working on his family economy chart, but he has done amazingly well with making his own bed and completing his zone tasks. I can see that he likes the added responsibility, as well as the positive encouragement I give him for completing the tasks.
Brooke already spent some of her money, but Kevin and I are encouraging them to save up enough money to buy their own snorkel masks for our upcoming cruise. Oh, and I didn't really write the details about pay day. I gave each child two $1 bills, then traded one of the bills in for 10 dimes. With the dimes, I was able to explain the 10% for tithing, 30% for savings, and the rest for spending. They have separate jars or piggy banks for each category, and I love the lessons they are learning in this process.
Thanks, Ralphie! Our family is definitely benefitting from these free resources!!
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