Very interesting topic! My parents have gone the no-allowance route with my brothers and I, and at the same time they've taught us excellent financial management.
*nods* It's been the very same for us. Chores are the natural consequence of living in a house. It's reinforced my already-strong sense of responsibility. When something needs done, I'll often do it. It's not a matter of "whose turn is it?" or "I didn't mess it up!" It's part of being a family.
My parents saw doing our chores and keeping our rooms clean as our responsibilities. They saw that their responsibilities were to provide for our needs. This includes everything from room and board and necessary clothing, to the entire curriculum for 13 years of school for four students. So there was no need for us to have a pseudo-income.
What did we do when we wanted spending money? We earned it. While regular household tasks were chores, extra stuff was good for money. My father's attitude: "If you're willing to take the initiative and do a good job, I'll pay you for it." I saved up for an American Girls doll ($83 - I still remember!) when I was 7 by vacuuming out our cars, every couple of weeks, for $2 or $3. When I got older, I began to do a lot of babysitting. A lady on our street taught piano lessons and I would 'sit with her children in the afternoons. All three of my brothers got jobs at the local Chick-Fil-A when they were old enough, and the two who've gone on have left for college.
My parents taught fiscal responsibility as much by example as by rules. Tithing has always been expected, as has saving - at least 50%. My dad has worked more with the boys, setting up spreadsheets for them, since they have the regular paychecks that my babysitting never gave. But since my parents have never been big or impulsive spenders, none of us four have gotten into the habit. They've always strongly warned us against debt, and set the example by always paying off credit card bills in full.
Like Joie, I think my parents have done a great job. :eusa_clap
beaucaillou said:
*nods* It's been the very same for us. Chores are the natural consequence of living in a house. It's reinforced my already-strong sense of responsibility. When something needs done, I'll often do it. It's not a matter of "whose turn is it?" or "I didn't mess it up!" It's part of being a family.
My parents saw doing our chores and keeping our rooms clean as our responsibilities. They saw that their responsibilities were to provide for our needs. This includes everything from room and board and necessary clothing, to the entire curriculum for 13 years of school for four students. So there was no need for us to have a pseudo-income.
What did we do when we wanted spending money? We earned it. While regular household tasks were chores, extra stuff was good for money. My father's attitude: "If you're willing to take the initiative and do a good job, I'll pay you for it." I saved up for an American Girls doll ($83 - I still remember!) when I was 7 by vacuuming out our cars, every couple of weeks, for $2 or $3. When I got older, I began to do a lot of babysitting. A lady on our street taught piano lessons and I would 'sit with her children in the afternoons. All three of my brothers got jobs at the local Chick-Fil-A when they were old enough, and the two who've gone on have left for college.
My parents taught fiscal responsibility as much by example as by rules. Tithing has always been expected, as has saving - at least 50%. My dad has worked more with the boys, setting up spreadsheets for them, since they have the regular paychecks that my babysitting never gave. But since my parents have never been big or impulsive spenders, none of us four have gotten into the habit. They've always strongly warned us against debt, and set the example by always paying off credit card bills in full.
Like Joie, I think my parents have done a great job. :eusa_clap
But, looking back I sure do miss those days and the old man too.
