Chores: How it works in our house

My kids are 4 and 2 1/2. Obviously at the age of being able to help around the house. After explaining to multiple people our family chores, I had mixed replies. Some thought I had the kids doing too much and some thought it was completely appropriate. However, I thought I would break down how chores work in our house.

Obviously, our chores are age-appropriate. Some chores result in a small payment of money, some are every day chores that doesn't receive a reward.

First, what chores does each child do?

Alden: Age 4

Every Day- (No compensation received):
MORNING
1. Make bed
2. Brush teeth
3. Get himself dressed
4. Take pull-up to trash can, Take PJ's to laundry room
5. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes (This chore switches every day with his brother)

EVENING
1. Set table for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food in trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Help mom or dad with dishes (Putting silverware in dishwasher or help clear the table)
3. Put on own pajamas and pull-up
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
*Taking pajamas from laundry room and putting them in drawer in bedroom
*Stripping bedding off his bed and bringing all bedding to laundry room
*Helping clean up toys off lawn outside so daddy can mow
*Finding all laundry around the house (Bedrooms and bathrooms) and bringing them to laundry room
*Picking up toys in bedroom so mommy can vacuum
*Cleaning preschool room (Room with all their art supplies and little tables.... It's technically a breakfast nook we've made into a 'preschool' room)

Each chore earns 50 cents to $1.00. This sounds like a lot, but these chores (Plus others I can't think of) are how he earns different toys he wants. He is at the age of 'I want that toy!" every time we head to the store. I have no problem buying the toy for him... usually one toy a month (Since they are usually between $5-$10) but he has to EARN the toy. The boys have also learned that if they both want a toy, they can put their chore money together and get a toy they both can use.


Collyn: Age 2 1/2

Every Day-
MORNING
1. Brush teeth (Which I brush them for him)
2. Get Dressed without a fight
3. Take diaper to trash can and take PJ's to laundry room
4. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes

EVENING
1. Put napkins on each plate for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food into trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Put on Pj's without a fight
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
Same as brother's, since they usually do these chores together

KEEPING TRACK OF CHORE MONEY:
At the very beginning of chore's I gave each child the amount of money they earned, in cash, and they were able to put it in the piggy bank or a zip-lock baggie to save, however, we lost a lot of money that way. Now, mommy is a banker. I keep track of all chore money on the white board in our kitchen. Alden has his "account" and Collyn has his "account". Each time they earn money, we go to the board and add the amount of money onto what they already have. It is also easy when we go to the store, since I don't add in tax to their toy. If they want a $10 toy and they earn $10, we pay for the tax. When they had cash-in-hand it was a scramble at the register to find coins in my wallet to pay for the rest of their amount. Now, I pay all together and don't have to worry.

Every few months we add or take away a chore based on age. With our growing family, every little bit of help I can get helps. I want to teach them young that for a home to run successfully, every person has to contribute. Also, I want them to learn that they don't just get things, they have to earn things, like toys.

What are some chores your kids do and what are their ages? I would love to hear your feedback, since I'm obviously still learning.