Using the dishes as an example: .25 cents when I assign the task
.50 cents if they notice and do the dishes without me asking (they take the initiative)
they owe me .25 cents if I have to remind them to do their task repeatedly.
Usually both girls do two loads of laundry (folding and putting away) and two loads (or more) of dishes (usually just drying and putting away, but sometimes washing - washing is one task, drying is a separate task) per day. They rarely take the initiative, but I can see a time coming where money will matter a lot more, and I expect they will look for ways to earn more.
If they tidy/clean the bathroom or entry way, that counts as a task. If they need motivation for their bedroom I usually help them clean it or give them a treat or pay them.
Their daily routines are not paid - making their beds, personal hygiene, washing their own dishes from a meal, getting dressed. But, if they were struggling with doing them I would definitely work out some kind of reward for the work until they were internally motivated (which I realize may never happen
) I think that with the regular routines the key has been that we very rarely deviate, even from the youngest age. Sometimes we have to modify the routine -- for example if we are at the in-laws they don't wash their own dishes, but the basics stay the same. The good part of that is that my little boys are copying their sisters because it is just "normal"
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 AM ----------
I realize it isn't what you were asking, but if the jobs are really big, sometimes we break them up with 10 min of hard work, 5 min of reading/play time. Or a couple of choco. chips every five minutes
Most of their tasks can be completed in 15 min or less. For younger children I would think that the tasks should take less time or it would be overwhelming.