While We're Away

I'm pretty sure the kids were confident that they could relax while Steve and I are away. And they sort of will. I expect mealtimes will be a little more "catch as catch can" and dishes might pile up considerably higher than I would like.

But while I was stranded at the mall yesterday, I decided to pick up on an idea that my niece pinned on Pinterest. The idea is that you attach a certain amount of cold, hard cash to a specific job that is not part of anyone's regular chores.

Our kids happen to be broke right now (aren't all kids?) and are eager to find ways to earn money, so I took out a bunch of cash and grabbed some deposit envelopes at the bank, and started writing out the chores I am willing to pay for.

Tasks and descriptions.

My system is not nearly as pretty as Carmona's, but I still think it'll work. I like the fact that you can see the cash through the little windows.

Here are the rules we established:

• You cannot take the money before the chore is complete.
• You may share the chore and are responsible for negotiating between yourselves.
• When you have completed the chore, sign your name on the envelope and take the money.
• Leave the empty envelopes at Mom's place at the dining room table.

I wasn't sure how the kids would respond, but it looks like they welcome the idea. Shortly after we showed them the envelopes, they began negotiating who would get which chores.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this works. If it does, I think I'll continue doing it. And perhaps making some prettier envelopes.