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Money for Something?
Peg Rosen - Ideas That Spark
After finishing up a yearlong work project, Maura Rhodes faced the daunting job of cleaning up her home office.
"The place was a disaster. And one of the big things that kept me from getting started were several years' worth of magazines strewn all over the place," says Rhodes. So the freelance editor from Montclair, N.J., offhandedly offered to pay her 9-year-old daughter to deal with her magazine mess.
Rhodes was surprised by the response:
"She jumped on the opportunity and spent the next few hours putting them back in chronological order and reshelving them."
Could Rhodes have done the job in less time? Sure. "But the half hour that it saved me gave me the chance to work on something else," she says. "My daughter was also thrilled to have the money and to spend the time with me."
Certainly, kids shouldn't be paid every time they put a dish in the
dishwasher. "But there are jobs that require extra effort and time. And
in this culture, money is the best thing we have to acknowledge our
kids' contribution when they take them on," says Peter L. Sheras, Ph.D.,
author of
I Can't Believe You Went Through My Stuff!: How to Give Your Teens the Privacy They Crave and the Guidance They Need
Here, some primo projects for teens and preteens:
Wipe out fingerprints
Arm your young laborer with paper towels and cleaner, and send him hunting for fingerprints, smudges and scuffs on moldings, walls and windowsills. Have him test a small patch before he starts to make sure your paint won't smudge.
Take on tutoring
Demystifying a couple of algebra equations may not warrant a salary. But what about asking your oldest to take on the role of daily homework coach for younger kids in the house? Set up "class" close to where you are so you can keep tabs on tempers and help out when everyone's stumped.
Bring mom into the 21st century
They may not be able to make a bed, but teens put adults to shame when it comes to computers and other technology. Most teens and preteens have learned Excel in school, so if you don't have a clue, pay yours to set up spreadsheets on your computer (great for managing books, budgets, etc.). Or hire them to transfer all those entries in your tattered Filofax or antiquated Rolodex onto your computer's address book.
Iron all the table linens
If you're like many of us, you haven't used your pretty table linens in eons because you a) never ironed them after you used them last or b) can't stand the idea of ironing if you use them again. Teens can take on this easy yet time-consuming pressing job. There are no tricky collars or creases to be made. Just be sure they're careful with the hot object.
Care for outdoor furniture
We're all told to oil our wooden outdoor furniture to keep it looking good, but who has the time? Teens are perfect for the job -- unlike painting, there's no worry about streaks or drips. They just pour the oil onto a rag (ask what you should use at the hardware store) and wipe it onto the wood. In the spring, pay to wipe down outdoor furniture that's been collecting shmutz all winter long.
De-junking junk drawers
Younger kids can go through those messy drawers, testing and tossing pens that don't work, sharpening pencils and sorting rubber bands, binder clips, paper clips, etc., into bags and containers.
Assembling toys and furniture
Put your former Lego and K'nex whiz to work assembling that dresser you just bought from IKEA or that Matchbox Racetrack you bought for your 7-year-old. You might actually swoon with gratitude. And he'll feel like a pro.
Giving Kids a Creative Edge
Aviva Patz - Ideas That Spark
Creative and artistic experiences help kids express their feelings and come up with new ideas and ways to solve problems. Studies show that involvement in the arts boosts test scores and promotes academic achievement. You can get your child’s creative juices flowing at home with basic art supplies and the right attitude. Bring out the creative genius in your children with these simple tips.
New Twists on Family Game Night
Sarah Mahoney - Ideas That Spark
The more creative the game, the more thoughtful, clever, funny and outrageous your kids can be. They'll go nuts for contests that require you to show a different side too -- especially if it's a ridiculous one! These five non-board games will help bring out the unexpected best in your family.
4 Ways to Make Dinnertime Work
Elizabeth Hurchalla - Your Family Today
When you arrive home after a long workday, your mind is on your family ... plus the stack of bills to pay, the pile of laundry to do and the list of phone calls to return. But dinner? It's tough to imagine how you're going to make this meal happen at all, let alone make it healthy, tasty and maybe even fun. But believe it or not, you can. Here's how
Sibling Warfare? Stay Neutral
Lisa Lombardi - Your Family Today
When your kids practically come to blows over which one got more cream cheese on their bagel, you know you’ve got a serious case of sibling rivalry. It’s likely you also know that there’s no avoiding it. But while you may not be able to keep the peace between your kids, there are things you can do to squash the squabbling.
Raise a Smart Spender
Sarah Mahoney - Your Family Today
Most kids love the holidays -- and all the giving and getting that goes with them. So why not tap into that enthusiasm for a quick lesson in money management? If you want to teach kids that buying decisions should involve time to think, holiday shopping is the perfect moment. Here are six lessons you can start teaching right now
Money for Something?
Peg Rosen - Ideas That Spark
Certainly, kids shouldn’t be paid every time they put a dish in the dishwasher. But there are chores, tasks and jobs that require extra effort and time. And in this culture, money is the best thing we have to acknowledge our kids’ contribution when they take them on according to Peter L. Sheras. Here, some primo projects for teens and preteens
Sick-day Strategies for Keeping Kids Entertained
Ella Brooks - Sniffle Solutions
'Mommy, I don't feel good.' Sound familiar? It’s the call of an ill child who’s stuck in bed. It breaks your heart, but there are plenty of things you can do. Experts say the best course of action includes activities that are low-key and keep a child busy without wearing her out. Here are 11 comforting and clever ways to help kids have fun while they recover.
Sync With Your Spouse on Discipline Style
Lisa Lombardi - Your Family Today
Is your wife a strict disciplinarian, while you prefer to let things slide? Is your husband a yeller, while you are an 'inside voice' kind of mom? When you have different parenting styles, it can often feel like you're at odds with your spouse. Here are strategies from Harvey Karp, M.D. for navigating this common parenting conundrum.
What Kind of Parent Are You?
Peg Rosen - Your Family Today
For decades, pop psych has embraced the premise that there are three basic parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, and last but not least, authoritative. The authoritative approach -- a combination of no-nonsense limit-setting with understanding and concern -- which experts say is ideal. Not sure where you fit in? Check out these scenarios
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