We just try to convey to our preschooler that you keep your things picked up and your bed neat because it is a good thing to do and it shows respect for others by not being sloppy. We have modeled this from when she was very young, and now she washes her own dishes after meals. I think since we are trying to have a Montessori type environment at home, then this sticker and money method would not work for us. That being said, I like the idea of a certain mount of money being given and then that the child would have to divide into three jars for giving, saving, and spending. I don't like the idea of money being given for having done things children should be doing anyway. we try not to make things into "chores" since I think there is a negative connotation there, but more just matter of fact.

On the whole philosophy of whether to tie chores to allowance I come down very hard on keeping these two separate. Everyone in our house does housekeeping chores to keep the house functioning; that is just part of being a house member. It can start with laundry sorting and table setting and work from there as the children get older. BUT I never want to have those chores linked to pay. Sometimes I need one of the kids to help with an extra something around the house when I am pushed and I never want to hear, "How much will you pay me?"
My partner gets a weekly paycheck so it works out well that we all get a weekly allowance on Fridays. Some of that we set aside for savings, but the rest is ours to do whatever with.

I made sheets with clip art pictures on them. The morning sheet had a crib (put your blankie back in your crib), a laundry basket (put your pj's in the laundry), and a toothbrush (brush your teeth). The night-time sheet had a laundry basket (put your clothes in the laundry), toys (pick up your toys), a toothbrush (brush your teeth) and a fish bowl (feed your fish). Each day my son would get to stick a sticker on each picture as he accomplished each task. Eventually he did each thing by habit and the sheets and stickers weren't needed anymore. We have never given an allowance, but when he gets birthday gifts of money or toothfairy money, some goes to tzedakah (charity), some to save, and some to spend. He doesn't get to spend it on whatever he wants...for instance, right now he's saving for new swim goggles because he has lost two pairs already at day camp and its only been two weeks!

My parents *expected* me to do my chores, study for school, and treat others with respect. Rewards were given for "going above and beyond." My friends were given money for chores or good grades, but those things were simply expected of me.

I was given an allowance starting in 5th grade. It was $40 each week (that sounds like a huge amount, but keep reading...). My mom made me stick to a strict budget and created an envelope system to keep it organized.

*Giving: 10% ($4) - I had the choice of giving to my family's church or a charity of my choosing.
*Savings: 10% ($4) - I made my deposits into a savings account in my name at my family's bank. ***I actually used this money as a down payment on my first house 5 years ago, when I was 20 years old and a junior in college.***
*Vacation: 10% ($4) - This one was for buying those special items and souvenirs when we went on our family trips.
*School Lunch: 20% ($8) - Lunch was $2/day in the cafeteria, which meant I had to take my lunch from home at least once a week. If I took my lunch extra times, I got to keep the cash for extra spending money. This was a good lesson in choices.
*Clothing: 20% ($8) - This was about $400/year. I had to buy my everyday clothes. My parents helped me when I needed expensive items like coats and shoes.
*Miscellaneous: 30% ($12) - Anything else not covered, like outings, movies, jewelry, and other fun but non-essential items. At first, this was just cash, but I later opened a checking account for the miscellaneous money.

The total amount grew as I grew older, until I was receiving $125/week by the time I graduated high school and had to pay for practically everything, from gasoline to shampoo. When we started this process, I learned that money didn't just appear to pay for things - I couldn't just ask Mom or Dad to buy me something. If I had the money, I could make the choice to spend it or save it for something else - if I didn't have the money, then I didn't get to buy it. Simple as that. I learned an incredible lesson in keeping a budget that has been invaluable in my adult life.

My now 2.5 yo knows that she must clean up her toys after she's done with them. It's not a chore it's the way we do things in the house. I think I'd give her some allowance as soon as I see she understands what money is. But never for doing chores! We were given "money for ice-cream" when we were little.

Aimi - Love this. Very clever way to go about things, including the expectation that the basics were just that, BASICS and should not be financially compensated for completing.

My 4 yr old son helps around the house (I do not call them "chores") and gets an allowance, but the two things are not connected.

My philosophy is we are a team, we work together, we help each other out. Therefore, I expect him to help around the house commensurate with his ability (at this time, it includes picking up his toys, feeding the dog, setting and cleaning the table, washing the windows he can reach, and sweeping and mopping the floor - albeit not very effectively - although he certainly does not do all these things every day or even close).

Also, since I have all the money and he has none, it seems fair that I share some with him, commensurate with his level of responsibility.

I want him to help out because it's his home, not for the money.

Aimi -- Wow. I'm impressed. As the mom, I doubt I could stay on top of that, but it sounds like a great idea.

Aimi - I love that system. I grew up with something similar - though not as rigorus, that I'll use with my kids when they get older. The big thing for me is not tying household duties, grades, etc., to allowance.
My sister and I got paid every week when we were young and 2 weeks as once we each turned 13 - because that's when my parents got paid. When they got a raise or a bonus, so did we. While our money wasn't broken out down to the percentage there were certain things we were expected to pay for on our own. That included:
-anything social (movies, snacks, pizza with friends)
-deciding to buy a lunch instead of bringing it from home - parents will keep the fridge stocked but if you want a burrito you're on you're own)
-the difference in the "regular" and the "above and beyond" price. For example, we go shoe shopping and the "regular' nice enough shoes are $50 but the ones I want are $70 - if I really want them I have to make up the difference and chip in $20.
-vacation spending money
-day to day "I wants" When I was 6/7 years old my delemma almost every weekend was whether or not to buy a popsicle at the flea market...they were $.50, but my allowance was only $2
Outside of church and holiday time we didn't discuss donation much, so that's something I'd like to do with my kids.

I started babysitting when I was around twelve. I also got an office job when I turned 15. Chores at my house were not paid for--they were just expected. However, one thing my mom did do was give me an allowance for watching my (much younger) brother and sister every afternoon. I know a lot of you will say that this is a part of being a family, too, but I liked that my mom realized that this was something that I could also go out and do "professionally," and so I was paid. It was just $25 dollars a week, far below my actually babysitting charge, and I had to buy lunch with it, too. And once I was 15, I paid for most social activities and clothes, though my mom helped with the big stuff (we split prom, for example). None of my friends ever helped around the house or paid for ANYTHING by themselves. Most of them still live at home, even though we're approaching 30...I think there's a lesson there.

I do like the concept of the chart, though. My son would be quite happy just to get stickers or stamps. I read the comments on the original post, and someone suggested having a family treat when the chore chart reaches a certain number of stars. That's something I'd consider doing.

I don't think children should be compensated for helping out around the house. They should be taught that when you are part of a household and part of a family, everyone in the household contributes. Dishes, trash, laundry, walking/feeding pets, keeping the house and car clean, etc are tasks that everyone in the house should share. 3 and 4 year olds can help sorting laundry, pushing around a swiffer, cleaning up after themselves, etc.

My friends just enjoyed the pride of seeing their 3-year old save for and purchase a special toy.
He spotted a neato dinosaur toy at Barnes & Noble - but the whole family is on a budget - so daddy saw the opportunity to teach his son to earn te special toy.

He earned money for 'jobs' around the house. He's an expert toilet brush swisher apparantly - and setting the table - helping fold laundry.

They brought the camera along to Barnes & Noble when Sam made his first purchase. Everyone was so proud! It's posted on the family blog. so cute.

I think it's a great lesson. Even better if the toy turns out to be a dud. Teaches them to really consider what they spend money on.

If you connect chores to "tips", a time will come when they'll do NOTHING if you don't offer something in reward.

The fear that tips or stickers will teach a child to do nothing unless they get something is a little paranoid, and perhaps unfounded if used responsibly.

I was raised by two artists, so we never had a lot of money, and I never had an allowance. But for going above and beyond general responsible behavior and usual chores, my mom did use the sticker or nickel rewards.

For example, while I was learning to swim she gave me a nickel every time I went underwater and held my breath. It was less bribery, and more making sure that I was focused on the fun of getting something, instead of focusing on how scary being underwater might be.

She used the sticker tactic for my violin practice (I was in the suzuki type school, extremely young). Every time I played my songs for an audience, I got a gold star sticker. I kept these on a special piece of paper, and when I got up to 100 we could go into town and buy a barbie or a book. Since we didn't have much money it was a great way to make sure I really appreciated the toys I had, since I had to earn them with my own hard work.

Aimi -

I also grew up with a similar system, though my parents more suggested than enforced. And when I didn't have money while we were on vacation, they'd just shrug. Worked like a charm, I must say. I'm a good budgeter as an adult, because I learned for myself from early on.

And yes, with our son, (who is 16), helping around the house is simply expected of him, as it is with both me and my husband. No money for this - part of living in a household is contributing to its running smoothly. Period.

Allowance is given independent of this, and spending money, gas and his clothing come out of it. We still supply basic toiletries and household stuff, though.

I really object, and always have, to the idea that kids need to be rewarded for doing everyday things like cleaning up after themselves, helping around the house, and getting good grades.

I think it all too frequently leads to adults who need to be thanked and coddled for everything, and expect a standing ovation for things I would consider baseline expected behavior - like good job performance. But that's my personal gripe.

wow, what wonderful ideas. i never had an allowance and was expected to do chores around the house, which i think taught me a lot about responsibility and taking care of myself and my home simply for the sheer joy of say enjoying a clean house, having clothes look nice because they're ironed, etc. but i'm not very good at budgeting so i really like the idea of teaching my children to budget for their needs/wants with an allowance.

great ideas and insight! just wanted to chime in and say thanks to aimi for a great system to work as a springboard. i'm so unorganized, so your experience gives me some great ideas.

My son doesn't get to watch a cartoon or play on the computer without his toys and such cleaned up. Before we play in the backyard we make sure all his toys inside are away as well. Before this method it was impossible to get him to clean up after himself. I also have to be there with him or he gets overwhelmed and wont clean... :)
Thanks Aimi for your input, that's cool. How old do you think children should start? I would really love to do this with my kiddos.

Wow I love all the great ideas! I also agree that tying chores and money together isn't a great idea, but I also think that kids can learn great work ethic by having an opportunity to earn. My husband grew up in a house where helping out was expected, and he received a separate small weekly allowance but. . . there was also a list of additional "chores" that could be done for money (eg; 10cents to sweep the front porch).
This gave him the opportunity to work hard to save up for things like video games that would have been far out of his reach with just his regular allowance. Today my husband speaks often about how his parents raised him to respect the value of a dollar, and that hard work can get you what you want!