Love Jobs & Pocket Money: Nurturing Responsibility and Life Skills in Our Kids

Oh, those were the days! I vividly remember when my own children were little, eagerly asking for pocket money. To navigate this, I created a list of jobs they could do, each with an equivalent dollar value, and proudly stuck it on the fridge. But here’s the secret ingredient: I also had a list of ‘Love Jobs’ that absolutely had to be completed before they could even think about earning the big bucks. Back then, I could get the skirting boards dusted for the whole house for a mere 50 cents! Ah, simpler times!

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So, What Exactly is a ‘Love Job’?

In our home, ‘Love Jobs’ were those essential tasks that needed to be done and shared by everyone to keep our home reasonably clean and tidy. Think of it as our family’s way of looking after our shared space and each other. These included things like:

Keeping your own room tidy and putting toys away. Helping with the dishes – washing, drying, and packing them away. Folding the laundry (a never-ending task, right?). Feeding our beloved pets. Watering the garden.

At one stage, I even recall adding ‘taking your little brother for a 'boing' on the trampoline’ to the list – because sometimes, a bit of sibling fun is exactly what’s needed to keep the peace! These were the jobs we did simply because we loved each other, and it was a fundamental part of caring for our family and our home. I really wanted my children to understand from an early age that they, too, had a responsibility to contribute to our household, and that Mum wasn’t just the resident servant!

I was also very conscious that involving children in household and outdoor jobs would teach them invaluable responsibility and life skills – qualities that are absolutely crucial for their overall development.

Beyond the Chores: Building Essential Life Skills

When our kids participate in age-appropriate household tasks, they’re not just tidying up; they’re learning so much more! They’re developing vital skills such as cooperation, independence, and self-reliance. Plus, actively doing jobs around the house and yard fosters a wonderful sense of ownership and pride in their contributions to the family. This, in turn, gives a fantastic boost to their self-esteem and confidence – something every parent wants for their child.

If we want to look at it from a slightly more academic perspective, being actively involved in household responsibilities actually supports the development of executive functioning skills. These are the big ones like time management, organisation, and problem-solving. In simpler terms, having your children participate in household duties from a young age helps build foundational skills that are absolutely essential for their future success and well-being. It’s like giving them a head start in life!

Get Those Job Lists on the Fridge!

So, my advice? Get those job lists on the fridge! Make it clear:

Love Jobs: These are the jobs we do because we love each other and our home. They’re about contributing to the family unit.

Paid Jobs: Do these jobs well, and you get paid! This teaches them about earning and the value of work.

If you’re keen to educate your kids about money and build those crucial financial skills, you absolutely can’t go past Scott Pape’s (the Barefoot Investor) fantastic book, ‘Barefoot Kids’. It’s a brilliant resource for Australian families. Play games using play money to teach kids about money whilst having fun.

Cheers to happy, helpful, and thriving kids!

Love,

Chelle 💗

Special Education Complex Supports and Family Support Specialist