Commission

Not unlike any normal 5 year old, Carac has started asking for EVERYTHING!  It's hard to say no, so now we've come up with a plan to prevent having to say no.  Rather than us having to say yes or no everytime he asks for something, our new response is, Do you want to spend your money? 

Starting this past week we have been giving Carac the opportunity to earn commission for completing tasks around the house.  (Ben says he's "allowed" to live here, so it's not an allowance.)  For example, every morning that Carac makes his bed, he earns a quarter.  A little steep, yes, but there isn't much a 5 year old can do unassisted.  Since this is a new routine for us, any ideas for jobs that a 5 year old may be able to complete will help.  Today we added emptying his hamper into a laundry basket, carrying it downstairs (with help) and putting the clothes in the washer.  Then all I have to do is put in the soap and we're good to go!  Time saver for me for sure!!!!!!  (That's the bonus to this recent change, more time for mommy to do other things.)

  My father-in-law got Carac a bank for Christmas that splits the money into 3 categories: Bank, Store and Church.  It's been a huge asset to helping teach Carac.  Not every quarter goes straight into the Store category.  Carac is supposed to be following the 1 to 1 to 1 ratio, but sometimes needs reminded. 

  The best was when Carac went to Wal-Mart with me on Saturday.  Since it's one of his least favorite places to go, I offered 2 quarters for a willing participant (yes, I'm aware this verges on bribery and not commision, but to me it was well worth the 50 cents.)  We were shopping and Carac asks me to cruise past the donuts.  He spots one that looks tempting and asks for it.  Instead of saying no I pose the question "Would you rather have the donut or your two quarters."  Without hesitation he responds "Two quarters!"  So we walk away from the donut case without the donut but more importantly without the screaming fit that normally ensues after hearing "No, you can't have that." 

  Why didn't we think of this sooner you ask?  Not sure he would have gone for it.  Now that he's five and his teacher tells me he's already reading for content, it's a little easier to rationalize with the kid.  I think the concept may have been a little premature a year ago, but I'm sure glad it's working now.

  Also, to give you an idea, Carac has changed his mind 5 maybe 6 times on what he wants to spend his money on.  I'm sure it will continue today, but his focus has been on Indiana Jones Legos which he saw courtesy of an online ad on Disneyxd.com.