By Gregg Murset
Now that it’s summer, parents have approximately two to three months of their kids being at home. Instead of kids wasting time while parents are at work, a summer chore plan will not only fill some of their day but also give them a possible advantage later in life.
As part of an ongoing 85-year study at Harvard University, research has shown that kids who do chores generally have greater success in adulthood. Add some allowance to the chores, and this summer could be the first that really pays off now and later.
Here’s how you can set up a summer chore schedule:
1. Communicate your expectations
Sit down with your kids and lay out a plan, as well as what you expect. Clearly, older kids will have more responsibility, but that doesn’t mean the little ones get off easy. Be honest about the chores as well. When parents are transparent with their kids, children will feel secure and respected. For example, telling your children about their chores and why you are building a chore chart for them will show them that you are doing this in their best interests, for their development.
2. Build a calendar for the kids
Use a tool that can be your “busy calendar.” Each day, kids can see what needs to be done and can click projects/activities one at a time. This will help teach them responsibility, accountability and time management. This is an activity that can be done together as well. By listing out the chores and what needs to be done for the day, you can help kids feel more involved in household duties and help them build self-esteem through seeing that their contribution is meaningful and important.
3. Assign by strengths and age
Not all chores need to be selected from one pool. You wouldn’t have your first grader mow the lawn and your eighth grader put toys away. Kids are good at different things based on their age and personality. Maybe one of your kids hates doing things outside. Maybe another loves the sunshine and fresh air. A chore will get done correctly when you assign it according to strengths and interests so that there is no need to worry if the grass won’t be even when you get home or the toys will be shoved under the bed.
4. Reward success
If all goes according to plan, your kids will be moving around a bunch this summer and plenty of projects will be done. Make sure to reward them for working hard or sticking to the plan. Paying an allowance is a great way to reward your kids, and you can help them learn how to save, spend and invest it wisely.
5. Discuss Their Earnings
When the time comes to pay kids for doing their chores, make sure they understand why you are paying them and how they can manage their allowance. This can be done when you are selecting chores or when it is time for their first payment.
You can have kids set goals for what they want to do with their earnings. This way, they can learn how to save. It is also important to discuss how to save and still enjoy the summer. They don’t have to save their entire allowance each time they get it. If they want to buy a toy they saw at the store even though they are saving for something bigger, they can, as long you tell them the importance of a need versus a want and explain that they are still saving towards their goal.
Chores by Age
Kids who are 6 to 7 years old can do chores such as making their bed, emptying the dishwasher, watering plants, putting clothes in their hamper and, of course, putting their toys away. For ages 8 to 9, some chores could include helping to make dinner, vacuuming and mopping, loading the dishwasher and dusting. Kids who are ages 10 and older can clean the bathrooms, wash the windows, wash the family car, mow the lawn and pull weeds.
By following these steps, parents are equipping their children with important skills to have as an adult. Not only will the house be kept up while parents are away at work, but kids will benefit from financial savviness, responsibility and a work ethic.
Gregg Murset is a certified financial planner, consultant and father of six who advocates for financial literacy among children and in schools. He is co-founder and CEO of BusyKid, a tool which helps kids learn how to save, share, spend and invest. Through BusyKid, parents can manage chore calendars, transfer allowances and give kids hands-on experience with money.
