Much Ado about Nothing

Somewhere along the way to the simple life it happened.  I am not where or when it happened, but I raised little spoiled brats. Ugh!  No one wants to do any work. No one wants to help one another or take responsibility for the situation we are in. And then-BAM- it hit me.

The more work there is to do, the less they want to work.  The "work" seems insurmountable and in their little minds they don't know where to start and when they finally do get started after long minutes of working they just peter out.

Well, the family sat down today and discussed the "Me" mentality and the "Entitlement" mentality both of whom are running rampant throughout the house.  Everyone wants to go to fun camps and play golf over the summer, but no one wants to keep all the golf clubs nice and neat and clean or find their golf stuff.  So, we decided the boys are going to have to pay for 20% of what they participate in, excluding Scout Camp which they have to raise ALL the funds for. 

We were met with groans and moans and flopping and flailing.  My husband and I held strong and showed them their Fisherkids system of earning commissions. We went over their goals for the summer and where they wanted to be.... you know where this is headed.

If they had done their commissions since Rory was born they would have between $144- $288 depending on their birthdays.  They would be able to more than pay for their part.

But alas..... no one has done their chores with any regularity. So they basically have quarters.

When I asked them, "Did you guys realize how much all the money you just decided to not earn would add up to be?"

One of my little angels looked me in the eye and said, "Mommy, we should work together."

I love it.  It has been an ongoing struggle, but I am standing strong on this. They don't get signedup for a camp until they can present the money.

It's now Saturday and only one of them has earned their commission.  Tonight will be a wake up call when paychecks are paid and we show them their goals and how they fell short.

I am also digging in more while they are home.  They are seeing how long it takes me to clean out a drawer, organize the pantry and wash out the fridge.  Modeled behaviour is important and so many times the magic of homemaking happens while they are away.

I shall be back soon to let you know how payday played out.

Happy cleaning!