We also keep allowance and chores separate. Allowance can be lost for bad behaviour, extra can be earned for chores/work above and beyond the call of duty. Especially if unsolicited. We don't reward them every time, though -random reinforcement ....keep 'em keen.....
Can you involve them in the chore decision? Ask them what chores they prefer to do/feel good at? That may not result in the final list, but it could be a good starting point. Here chores are usually empty the recycling, scoop out the cats' litter box, they all have to put their own laundry away and keep their rooms tidy. Most chores are not set, -our lives are far from routine -but they know when we give them a task they damn well better do it. usually sorting a certain box/shelf/cupboard out or vacumming a certain area. We just in the last hour discovered Thor is good at cleaning windows. Guess what's going to feature more heavily in his list next year?
