To Pay or not to Pay

It is my personal belief that children should not be paid to do weekly chores. I don't get paid to clean the house, so why should they. I know that sounds a little harsh and unappreciative so allow me to clarify. we provide everything for our children, they have a roof over their head, food in their belly, clothes on their back, a bed to sleep in, toys to play with, they take dance, gymnastics, swimming, various other sports, and I believe they should earn their keep. (I can hear some of you saying in your minds but they are children and you are the adults, that is your responisbility) and you are right it is our responsibility. I feel however that children need to learn to be responsible. In our family we have weekly assignments that are rotated on a weekly basis. They range from dusting, moping, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom etc, Everyone takes a turn doing these responsibilities with my husband and I helping the children under the age of 6. Keeping in mind that by having my 9 year old will not to the job to my husband's or my own ability. She is required to to her best and I ask no more.
I also have a a board of small bonus chores that I am willing to pay for. Things the children can do when they want earn some money; they can pick from the board, if the so choose, and do extra beyond their weekly assignment. These are things that need to be done, and my husband or I usually do them. We leave it up to the kids if they want to earn the money or not. They are small things like take out the trash, wash the window seals, wash mirrors, fold laundry etc. and the earnings range from 10 cents to a dollar. Once a job is done it is put away until the next week.

Pick your Battles

Several years ago I made up a song about picking battles, I sing it to the tune Alouette..It goes,

Pick your battles

Learn to Pick your Battles

if it's not worth it,

Just try and shut your mouth.

I apply this song to many aspects of my life, with my husband, with my parents, my siblings and with my kids.

Sometimes the fight just isn't worth it. For example, if I allow my two year old to wear a princess dress, complete with butterfly wings, and boots, grocery shopping, is anyone going to look at her and think that I dressed her? Probably not, they are going to smile at her independence, some Grandma type ladies might look at her and say look at the Pretty Little Princess, and she will beam with pride. Anyone who murmurs "I can't believe she would bring her kids out dressed like that" Probably doesn't have kids.

I could force her to change and wear "appropriate" clothing, but the result would be a tantrum and going shopping would get off to a bad start before we even left.

An Introduction

My name is Jenn, and I truly have amazing kids. I know that sounds a little (okay,extremely) biased, but it is true. I have taken my kids out to fancy restaurants and had people stop by my table as they left to complement on how well behaved my children are. People are always asking me what I do to get my kids to be so good, in all honesty I think I just hit the jackpot when it comes to children, but on the off chance that my contributions are part of it I have started this blog to tell them what I do.
A little more about me, I have a bachelor's degree in History from Utah State University and an Associates in Early Childhood Development from Snow College. I met my husband, Josh, my Senior year of school and we were married with me only having one semester left. (It took me 41/2 years to graduate, I had a hard time picking a major) Josh is a Mechanical Engineer, and when we were married he had two years left. Three months after our wedding, I graduated and found out I was unexpectedly pregnant with our first. She was born one month after our first anniversary.
Currently I am a stay-at-home mom of 4(ages 9 to 6 months) living in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our nearest family is 1811 miles away in Southern Utah, so I am pretty much on my own out here. Don't get me wrong I have friends who are willing to help, but their situation isn't much better than mine, besides I fully believe there is a difference asking your mom or your sister for help, verses your friend.
Anyway, that is me in a nutshell, I am sure more stories about my life will come for anyone who chooses to follow.