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We make use of a star chart rather than monetary allowance, because for all of mine the idea of the things they could buy is too vague to motivate them for more than a few moments after they think of a thing. A certain number of stars reaches a specific goal they've chosen beforehand--for the older ones, a new book or videogame they want, and for the younger ones, I keep a prize box stocked with toy cars and stuff. IMHO teaching money management is even harder than teaching responsibility with chores, and is better left until after the chores are routine.
As far as what they do... the 5-year-old wipes the table after meals, and sweeps the floor underneath the table with a little hand broom and dustpan. Sometimes he "helps" me vacuum, mostly by moving things out of my way as I go around the house. The 3-year-old just has to put her books away on the shelf each day, and both of them have to put away all the toys upstairs. 9 and 13 have to keep their rooms clean, and bring their laundry down when the basket is full, and sort it back into their drawers after I wash and fold it. 13 helps me with the dishes, and she likes to help me cook but it's really a hindrance. It only works when I make Mr. Clod come in and closely supervise her on small tasks while I am busy with the real cooking.
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