Popsicle Stick Post - Our "Allowance" System

We've started a new incentive program over here at our house. Let me give you the low down.

This came about for a couple reasons, but mostly because my kids have come down with a case of the "greedy gimmes!" They have begun to shout, "I want that!" with every commercial that comes on the tv. Sometimes they even fight over who gets what. Or they will both insist on the same toy and we need to get two of them (the Handy Manny bench falls into that category). Thankfully these requests are short lived and they don't beg, whine and cry until gifts are given.

That being said...one of Izzy's most favorite activities is spending her own money at the Dollar Tree. Pete and I have discussed allowances before, only to not really come to a solution regarding when to start or how much? The money Izzy currently has in her piggy bank is from random coins collected and dollars sent by grandparents.

It is important to me to teach the kids savvy money techniques from an early age. I have invested in banks that have 4 compartments: save, spend, invest, and donate. We have yet to start using them because I haven't quite figured out the best way to explain the various concepts? I might just start with the save/donate sections? Not sure yet?

Okay, so onto the popsicle stick post stuff. This is really hard to explain - is anyone following me?

I am masterfully manipulating my little munchkins with popsicle sticks. A stick is given for many things - positive reinforcement and lots of it! However, sticks can also be taken away :( At the end of the week money is given for each stick in your jar. I think we will award $.10/stick. So far sticks have been given for many things. Izzy gets sticks for getting dressed as soon as she gets up, brushing teeth, making her bed, reading to Drew for 10 minutes, writing her letters, helping me clean, sweeping leaves, doing her homework, staying seated when eating, doing what is asked the first time she is asked...and I think I have come up with some really random things because she is so excited to earn sticks right now! Drew gets sticks for: good days at school, being brave in the childcare room at the gym, shots at the doctor, brushing teeth, sweeping leaves, helping me with laundry. Drew isn't quite as motivated as Izzy, but he still loves to earn a stick.

At the beginning of the day we each get a stick for doing "our job". Izzy is given a stick (Drew too) for going to school, Pete one for work, and me for taking care of the family. I needed an "easy" way to give sticks so that I could take them away if need be.

I have had yet to take a stick away, but the kids know it is a possibility. An example would be if I asked Izzy to clean up her toys and she doesn't...I would ask again and if she still doesn't want to then I simply say, "Okay, I will gladly clean up your mess, but I charge a stick for that." Right now Izzy would not even think of doing anything to lose a stick :) In fact I am having a tough time coming up with "chores" for her to do.

So, come Saturday we will count out the sticks and then pay the kids. Most of that money will be for them to spend, but a percentage will go into the donate jar. Also, any sticks that I have to take away from them will also go into the donate jar. I realize that the first couple weeks the money will probably get spent right away, but hopefully I can teach the kids that if they save the money earned for a couple weeks it can be used for a bigger/better purchase. It is all gonna be trial and error for all of us...but I think it is a good start. So far it is working for our family.

The momentum is strong right now so I am going to go stick happy and just keep handing them out as long as they are willing to be my little slaves. I sure do like all the helpful, pleasing mom behavior I am getting!