I forgot to post the value of the tally marks. The oldest (10 year old) got .10 and the two younger (7 and 3 1/2) got .05. The same amounts were deducted for bad behavior or buying extra media time.
When buying back toys that didn't get put away was involved, each toy was worth .05 or groups of toys like the Lego or car bin was $.50-$1.00. Sometimes the boys would pull their money together and buy back a family toy or even buy toys for each other so it would not get donated. It also helped them decide if they really wanted a toy. There were times it wasn't even worth a nickle to get it back and they would say, "you can sell it or give it to the DI."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Job/chore chart and income
I had a friend ask me to go into more detail of the job chart. So I will do my best to explain more.
It works on a tally mark system, they can get up to 6 tally marks on "daily chores". (you don't get marks for Sunday, but you still do the work) I guess I should explain that there are three categories on the credit list; daily, weekly or as needed, and monthly or extra jobs. I shaded them in so that they could tell the difference. I Made it have 2 weeks, then total, and then 3 week and total, so that the kids could see their progress half way through, even if they don't get paid until the end of the month. Dad gets paid twice in a month so we just made it like a real job.
The charts are posted in a central location (some where that they will see it everyday) so that we can both see their progress.
I do have time limits on a few, and if the job is not done on time, they can't mark it as done. They also can not back mark. If you can't be responsible to mark your chart, you can't get the credit.
As far as the minus section goes, you will have to figure out what your child struggles with and make it suit them. The child that has the problem with timing, has it on both credit and minus. So not only does he not get a mark if homework is not completed by 5, but he gets a minus too. I don't do that with every chore, but that is one we are really trying to work on.
When you are determining what chores to put on your chart, make a list. I sat down and wrote down everything that either I did when I was a kid or that I would like them to do or learn to do. Think of jobs that you do that your kids could do for extra money and put it on the chart. That way, instead of asking what they can do for extra money, they just look on the list and choose what they want to do. Then they feel like they have a little control in the work. They may never do the chore, but at least it is on option.
Finally, if it a chore your child has never done, you need to SHOW them how to do it the first time, WATCH them the second and then by the third time they should know how to do it the way YOU want it done. There may need to be refreshes here and there, but one thing I have learned is that my way of "Clean" and a boys way of "Clean"are VERY different.
Also, I left extra spaces for things to be added on. Just like your budget changes every month, so will their chores. I had my oldest pass one of his jobs off to my third son and had HIM teach it. It was interesting to see how much my oldest really did remember from when he was taught.
Good luck and happy chore days!!!
$4.65! Fun With Coupons
This was my first week of doing coupons and now we have enough kids shampoo and toothpaste to last us for the rest of our lives! Not really, but this is just one of my trips to Walmart where I price matched and used coupons! This was fun and the hubby has a good old time guessing what I spent!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Some things I've learned
Though I do not proclaim to be the prefect parent, (my kids, and husband AND neighbors for that matter can attest to that) I have learned a few things in my short life that have helped me along the way. (Especially in the last few months) Here are a few things I’ve learned.
Kids need limits! Kids will push and push and if you do not have concrete limits, they will continue to push until they have gone too far. Rules are a must and there must be consequence to breaking them.
Kids need structure! I started a new chore chart that my kids know they have to complete before they can play. It includes homework, piano practice, emptying recycle, etc. My oldest has done great with this and he knows just what is expected of him. It takes the nagging out of the day and all I have to do is ask to see, or ask if he has done his chart.
Kids need to feel important and empowered! Kids need choices. Kids need rewards. They don’t have to be monetary or extravagant. My oldest had a really good week, so as a reward, he got to say up and watch a movie with his parents. He earned that right and he felt special.
Kids need love, even 10 year old boys! I learned that I need to find out how my kids need to be loved and what ways to do it. Everyone feels love differently. Time is a big one. Being interested in the things they are doing. (Even if it is not interesting to me at all.)
Kids need to learn the value of money! My kids can earn as much of as little as they want each month. We don’t give them “allowance”, they earn “Income”. Their chore charts are called time cards and they are responsible for marking it when they do the job. If they don’t mark it, they won’t get paid for it. I am also trying to teach them responsibility, and returning and reporting. Each chore has a value. (Younger kids .05, older .10 per chore) They can also get points taken away for fighting, dishonesty, etc.
Kids need to learn the pride and joy of a job well done! This is where the reward comes in. It could be time with parents, it could be a special plate at dinner, and it could just be a “Good Job Honey, I Love You!” My kids also see it in their paycheck at the end of the month.
Kids need to learn the value of work! We are trying to teach our kids more about service. We are trying to teach them that sometimes you do things because you love someone and they could benefit from you services.
Kids need a controlled environment! Controlled, NOT controlling. If you home is chaotic, and clutter, that will reflect in their attitude and behavior. Mine too! When my kids are out of control, if they are fighting too much, that constitutes for a “No Media Week”. They don’t have TV, computer or video games for a week. They aren’t happy for the first few days, but by the end, they found their toys and even enjoy playing together again. I have also said no friends until they can treat each other with respect and kindness.
Kids need nutritious, balance diets! My kids are not allowed to not eat something just because they don’t think they like it. They are also not required to “be a member of the clean the plate club” as I was. I have had to deal with varying degrees of food allergies with my kids and they are all creatures of habit. One of my kids in particular view eating more as a chore that a pleasure. He would rather starve than find something to eat. He will also eat the same thing everyday if I let him. (He is so me) I have had to really step back and look at their diets and see where we could improve. Malnutrition can be the cause of moodiness, slow growth and even depression.
As I said, these are some things that I have learned. I am not always the best at it. My kitchen in chaos and looks like it blew up because I am going through cook books, I watch more TV than I should and eat junk for snacks, but I am working each day to be a better mom for my kids and wife for my husband.
Kids need limits! Kids will push and push and if you do not have concrete limits, they will continue to push until they have gone too far. Rules are a must and there must be consequence to breaking them.
Kids need structure! I started a new chore chart that my kids know they have to complete before they can play. It includes homework, piano practice, emptying recycle, etc. My oldest has done great with this and he knows just what is expected of him. It takes the nagging out of the day and all I have to do is ask to see, or ask if he has done his chart.
Kids need to feel important and empowered! Kids need choices. Kids need rewards. They don’t have to be monetary or extravagant. My oldest had a really good week, so as a reward, he got to say up and watch a movie with his parents. He earned that right and he felt special.
Kids need love, even 10 year old boys! I learned that I need to find out how my kids need to be loved and what ways to do it. Everyone feels love differently. Time is a big one. Being interested in the things they are doing. (Even if it is not interesting to me at all.)
Kids need to learn the value of money! My kids can earn as much of as little as they want each month. We don’t give them “allowance”, they earn “Income”. Their chore charts are called time cards and they are responsible for marking it when they do the job. If they don’t mark it, they won’t get paid for it. I am also trying to teach them responsibility, and returning and reporting. Each chore has a value. (Younger kids .05, older .10 per chore) They can also get points taken away for fighting, dishonesty, etc.
Kids need to learn the pride and joy of a job well done! This is where the reward comes in. It could be time with parents, it could be a special plate at dinner, and it could just be a “Good Job Honey, I Love You!” My kids also see it in their paycheck at the end of the month.
Kids need to learn the value of work! We are trying to teach our kids more about service. We are trying to teach them that sometimes you do things because you love someone and they could benefit from you services.
Kids need a controlled environment! Controlled, NOT controlling. If you home is chaotic, and clutter, that will reflect in their attitude and behavior. Mine too! When my kids are out of control, if they are fighting too much, that constitutes for a “No Media Week”. They don’t have TV, computer or video games for a week. They aren’t happy for the first few days, but by the end, they found their toys and even enjoy playing together again. I have also said no friends until they can treat each other with respect and kindness.
Kids need nutritious, balance diets! My kids are not allowed to not eat something just because they don’t think they like it. They are also not required to “be a member of the clean the plate club” as I was. I have had to deal with varying degrees of food allergies with my kids and they are all creatures of habit. One of my kids in particular view eating more as a chore that a pleasure. He would rather starve than find something to eat. He will also eat the same thing everyday if I let him. (He is so me) I have had to really step back and look at their diets and see where we could improve. Malnutrition can be the cause of moodiness, slow growth and even depression.
As I said, these are some things that I have learned. I am not always the best at it. My kitchen in chaos and looks like it blew up because I am going through cook books, I watch more TV than I should and eat junk for snacks, but I am working each day to be a better mom for my kids and wife for my husband.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Great tips!
Hi Jamie,
I looked up your benny on a budget blog and just wanted to commend you for your family's desire to get out of debt. So many people choose to not take action or even admit to themselves that they can make changes in the way they live, think, and spend money. People assume quick fixes will take care of their problems as opposed to choosing true financial freedom, which involves a lifelong way of thinking and living. You're right, finances are the most difficult, hush, hush topic for people to converse about. This is because it isn't just about money. The way we spend money is more an outward manifestation of our inner values and behavioral patterns. That's why people get so easily defensive at the thought that they might not know how to control their spending/finances.
If you haven't already heard of these, I thought you might enjoy reading these 10 financial principles that are great little maxims for living:
Take care and good luck on reaching your goals!
Jen
Ten Financial Principles Everyone Should Know (...and live by...)
No, I'm not on a soap box. I really just felt like posting this because I love to be reminded of simple maxims for living. With our nation experiencing it's current economical crisis, I thought it'd be nice to post these basic financial principles that I've learned that can easily be forgotten as we live day to day. For those of you who are LDS, I've included scripture references that correlate with each principle. Take some time to ponder the concepts - it'll be fun! :)
Ok, here we go:
1. Financial problems are usually behavior problems rather than money problems. (Matthew 25:14-18)
2. If you continue doing what you have been doing, you will continue getting what you have been getting. (Galatians 6:7)
3. Nothing (No-Thing) is worth risking the relationship for. (1 Timothy 6:7-11)
4. Money spent on things you value usually leads to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Money spent on things you don't value usually leads to a feeling of frustration and futility. (Matthew 6:24, 31-33)
5. We know the price of everything and the value of nothing. (Matthew 6:19-21)
6. You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need can never satisfy you. (2 Nephi 9:51)
7. Financial freedom is more often the result of decreased spending than of increased income. (Proverbs 21:20)
8. Be grateful for what you have. (Ephesians 5:20)
9. The best things in life are free. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
10. The value of an individual should never be equated with his or her net worth. (Matthew 16:26, Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)
It's easy to look at these principles and think "Duh, that's common sense!" But if we look at ourselves and the world around us we'll quickly learn that common sense doesn't always equal common knowledge practiced. Let's all try harder to act more responsibly over all that we've been blessed with.
(10 Principles and correlating scripture references taken from "For Love and Money: How to share the same checkbook and still love each other" by Bernard E. Poduska, c.1995)
I looked up your benny on a budget blog and just wanted to commend you for your family's desire to get out of debt. So many people choose to not take action or even admit to themselves that they can make changes in the way they live, think, and spend money. People assume quick fixes will take care of their problems as opposed to choosing true financial freedom, which involves a lifelong way of thinking and living. You're right, finances are the most difficult, hush, hush topic for people to converse about. This is because it isn't just about money. The way we spend money is more an outward manifestation of our inner values and behavioral patterns. That's why people get so easily defensive at the thought that they might not know how to control their spending/finances.
If you haven't already heard of these, I thought you might enjoy reading these 10 financial principles that are great little maxims for living:
Take care and good luck on reaching your goals!
Jen
Ten Financial Principles Everyone Should Know (...and live by...)
No, I'm not on a soap box. I really just felt like posting this because I love to be reminded of simple maxims for living. With our nation experiencing it's current economical crisis, I thought it'd be nice to post these basic financial principles that I've learned that can easily be forgotten as we live day to day. For those of you who are LDS, I've included scripture references that correlate with each principle. Take some time to ponder the concepts - it'll be fun! :)
Ok, here we go:
1. Financial problems are usually behavior problems rather than money problems. (Matthew 25:14-18)
2. If you continue doing what you have been doing, you will continue getting what you have been getting. (Galatians 6:7)
3. Nothing (No-Thing) is worth risking the relationship for. (1 Timothy 6:7-11)
4. Money spent on things you value usually leads to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Money spent on things you don't value usually leads to a feeling of frustration and futility. (Matthew 6:24, 31-33)
5. We know the price of everything and the value of nothing. (Matthew 6:19-21)
6. You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need can never satisfy you. (2 Nephi 9:51)
7. Financial freedom is more often the result of decreased spending than of increased income. (Proverbs 21:20)
8. Be grateful for what you have. (Ephesians 5:20)
9. The best things in life are free. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
10. The value of an individual should never be equated with his or her net worth. (Matthew 16:26, Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)
It's easy to look at these principles and think "Duh, that's common sense!" But if we look at ourselves and the world around us we'll quickly learn that common sense doesn't always equal common knowledge practiced. Let's all try harder to act more responsibly over all that we've been blessed with.
(10 Principles and correlating scripture references taken from "For Love and Money: How to share the same checkbook and still love each other" by Bernard E. Poduska, c.1995)
We did it!
We made it through the month with out buy anything unnecessary! It can be done. You can go an entire month making dinner every night and not eating out, really, we did! We saved over $550.00 this month by only spending our food budget ($500.00)! Now I must confess, there were a few things that I HAD to buy that were not food items. Connor had one pair of sock and I figured it would cost more to wash them everyday than to go get some new ones, and Connor was not into the whole "make your own Valentine's", so we did have to make some "special" purchases, but I used our food money!
I am just so proud of us for sticking to the plan. There were times that John and I wanted to give up, but we helped each other during those times and pushed through. It's just a good thing we weren't both having a bad day on the same day!
Alright, for this month I am going to try couponing! I am a little nervous about this one and I have my friend walk me through the process, but I think I just need to do it to see if it will work for us. I tried price matching last month and that was pretty cool. So, it you have any great couponing ideas, I would love to hear them. Here is what I know so far.
*I am getting 4 paper (I guess the daily Herald is the cheapest and has a deal called "the savvy shopper" which gives you 5 papers at a really good price. I guess I messed up on that one already!)
*You go to pinchingyourpennies.com and see all the deals at all the different stores
*Walmart does price matching (you just tell them what you will pay for you stuff, nice!)
*There are things called Beer Rebates that are either back by the beer or at customer service. You don't have to buy beer to get them, just usually specific products. (Walmart does not have them)
That's all I can think of right now. Please post any other great deals and ideas on couponing or saving money!
I am just so proud of us for sticking to the plan. There were times that John and I wanted to give up, but we helped each other during those times and pushed through. It's just a good thing we weren't both having a bad day on the same day!
Alright, for this month I am going to try couponing! I am a little nervous about this one and I have my friend walk me through the process, but I think I just need to do it to see if it will work for us. I tried price matching last month and that was pretty cool. So, it you have any great couponing ideas, I would love to hear them. Here is what I know so far.
*I am getting 4 paper (I guess the daily Herald is the cheapest and has a deal called "the savvy shopper" which gives you 5 papers at a really good price. I guess I messed up on that one already!)
*You go to pinchingyourpennies.com and see all the deals at all the different stores
*Walmart does price matching (you just tell them what you will pay for you stuff, nice!)
*There are things called Beer Rebates that are either back by the beer or at customer service. You don't have to buy beer to get them, just usually specific products. (Walmart does not have them)
That's all I can think of right now. Please post any other great deals and ideas on couponing or saving money!
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