Should Kids Get Paid to Do Chores? What the Experts Says

The idea of giving children an allowance is a topic that has been widely discussed among parents, educators, and financial experts. Many agree that providing kids with a regular source of money can be beneficial in teaching them about financial responsibility and independence. However, the debate becomes more complex when discussing whether or not this income should be tied to the completion of household chores. Let’s explore the various opinions and arguments of experts on this matter.

The Case for Tying Allowance to Chores

Some experts believe that linking allowance to chores can teach children valuable life lessons and instill a strong work ethic. They argue that by making kids earn their money through hard work, they will learn the importance of effort, responsibility, and time management. This, in turn, prepares them for the realities of adult life, where income is directly related to one’s work performance.

Dr. Deborah Serani, a psychologist, and author, supports this notion by stating that “tying chores to money can help children understand the value of a dollar, as well as the concept of working for a living.” By doing so, children can develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can boost their self-esteem and encourage them to take on more responsibilities in the future.

Moreover, some experts argue that paying children for chores can serve as a motivator for them to complete their tasks promptly and efficiently. Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, suggests that “monetary rewards can be a powerful incentive for kids to get their chores done, especially if they are saving up for something special.”

The Case Against Tying Allowance to Chores

On the other hand, some experts assert that tying allowance to chores can have negative consequences on a child’s development and create an unhealthy relationship with money. They argue that chores should be viewed as an essential part of family life, and children should learn to contribute without expecting financial rewards.

Dr. Alfie Kohn, an author and lecturer on parenting and education, warns that “paying kids for chores can send the message that they are not valued members of the family, but rather hired help.” This could potentially lead to feelings of resentment and a lack of intrinsic motivation to help out around the house.

Furthermore, critics of paying children for chores argue that it can undermine the development of intrinsic motivation and foster a sense of entitlement. Dr. Edward Deci, a professor of psychology, explains that “when children are rewarded for doing something, they may come to see the reward as the reason for doing it, rather than the satisfaction of contributing to the household or developing a sense of responsibility.”

In addition, tying allowance to chores may not always be effective in teaching financial responsibility. Ron Lieber, a personal finance columnist, and author, points out that “if the goal is to teach kids about money management and delayed gratification, then it’s better to give them a regular, unconditional allowance that they can budget and save.” By separating chores from financial rewards, parents can encourage their children to develop healthy money habits while still instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork within the family.

Finding a Balance

Given the differing opinions among experts, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the issue of tying allowance to chores. Each family must consider their unique circumstances and values when deciding how best to teach their children about money and responsibility.

Some families may choose to implement a hybrid model, where children receive a base allowance for basic needs and have the opportunity to earn extra money through chores. This approach can provide a balance between teaching financial responsibility and fostering intrinsic motivation for helping out around the house.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pay kids for chores comes down to what works best for each individual family. Regardless of the chosen approach, it’s essential for parents to have open conversations with their children about the importance of contributing to the household and developing responsible money habits. By doing so, parents can set their children up for success in both their personal and financial lives.