So, let me explain. This is NOT a chore chart, as I remember all too well having had 'chores' put on me when I was a child. Chores are pointless because nobody wants to do anything that is a chore. (that's my opinion) We also pondered the idea of a 'responsibilities' chart. We are learning how each person is responsible for making our home a happy one. But, I decided to take it a bit further. We do have a house full of small kids who LOVE to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. We've also spent a lot of time talking about jobs in the community, people who work together to keep us safe (police officers, fire fighter, etc.). We've always talked extensively about dad's job in the military and what the various branches do. So, we've decided on a Job chart. These jobs do give the kids opportunities to earn rewards, just like a regular job does. We've talked about all of the things that dad's job helps to provide for us. All the things we enjoy, good food, toys, etc., come from dad working really hard. So, the kids are super excited about having jobs of their own.
Each day the kids are given 3 jobs to do. I choose the jobs based on what needs to be done, and also rotate the jobs so that each of them has an opportunity to do the jobs that they really enjoy. I also try to give them jobs that can be done at three different times of the day: morning, lunchtime and afternoon.
When they've completed a job, they move the job from the "To Do" box to the "Done" box. I have explained to them the importance of doing a job with a happy heart, and not complaining while we work. After all, dad would probably get in real trouble is he pouted and threw a fit at work, because he didn't want to do his job. Thankfully, the jobs are fun for them, and this has not been a problem.
When the day is over, and they've completed all three jobs (with a happy heart), I will check to make sure they are done. Now, this normally happens at the time they do them, because I don't leave my kids unattended to do their jobs. So, I'm able to praise them in the moment that they are completing them. But, when they are all done, without complaining, I will remove their jobs and reward them with their daily "pay" (a gold coin). Now, this is super important to me, and something I plan to be consistent with. I know that as they get older, these jobs won't be so much fun. So, that's why we're teaching them now to be helpful in our home with a happy heart. Later, if they mumble and complain while doing the jobs, they won't receive their coin for the day.
At the end of the week, if they have earned all 6 of their coins, they will be allowed to pay 6 coins and receive a special treasure reward. I've chosen to call them Treasure rewards as I want them to understand matters of the heart. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV):
'19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'
In our house, it is not the actions we perform that matter, but more importantly the heart behind those actions. When we do our jobs while complaining and harboring unhappiness in our hearts, we allow the treasure of peace to be robbed from us. However, when we do our jobs with a happy heart, we build up many treasures in our heart than cannot be destroyed, unless we allow it. So, we're teaching our kids that real treasure is not the things that we have, but how our heart embraces them. If they do their jobs with a happy heart, they build up their treasure. At the end of the week, they can delight in the blessings that God has allowed for them to receive by being obedient and happy throughout the week. This also gives us time to share extra family time with them, allowing them to make their own choices about how they will enjoy the benefits of their hardwork. After all, one can choose to take their treasure and be selfish with it, or choose to share it with those they love. I'm hoping that our kids will learn to choose wisely!
They must have 6 coins at the end of the week to enjoy the blessings that come from hardwork. Just like dad's job, (which actually doesn't apply to a salaried military employee, but it's how we've explained it) if you don't do your job for the day, you won't get paid for that day. So, at the end of the week, you may have some coins, but you won't have enough to buy the treasure that costs 6 coins.
As I've grown, I've had multiple (which is a rather weak description of how many times) opportunities to witness what life is like when people have no responsibility or consequences for their actions. In my opinion that boils down to one sad fact. Those people never have the opportunity of really enjoying true treasure. I want my kids to earn many kinds of treasure in their hearts and in their lives. When the treasure is earned, it is so much more joyous. Now, teaching responsibility is a big deal to us as parents, because I want them to know that they have a place in our home. Just as God gives us special jobs to do, parenthood, evangelism, discipleship, etc., we give our kids jobs to help make this home a happy home.
So, no matter what choice they make during the week, whether they choose to do the chores or not, it will be their own choice. Our love for them is unconditional, just like Jesus' love for us. But, beyond that, life itself is conditional, and they will learn that. If they make the wise choice and do the job, there will be reward. If they make the wrong choice and don't do the job, there will be no reward. We will love them anyway, and try again next week. Seems simple enough, yes?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.