thanks--I was leaning toward the $5/week right now. DH offered her extra for "yuck" chores--weeding the flower bed, etc. and she was all gung ho for about 5 seconds! I hate to admit it but my oldest can be quite a slug but my 7yr old is all about doing stuff--she loves it so I take full advantage while I can. Funny thing is my youngest is also the saver of the two so she ALWAYS has money and the 10 yr old NEVER has a dime!

One thing I taught DD since we never really stuck with the allowance thing was that whenever she got money for birthdays or holidays I would suggest, and she agreed, that I put 1/2 in her savings account and she could spend 1/2. Now that she's just turned 15 she has $1000 saved for a downpayment on a car. I think we started this when she was 8 or 9.

that's a great rule! They've both had credit union accts and 529's (old mutuals) since birth and they are starting to add up. I just tell my family to spend half of whatever they want to spend on gifts and put the other half in their 529. I think right now my girls probably have more $$ than me!! lol.

I forgot to post yesterday and say that DH forgot to bring me something really important to work, and instead of getting mad and being rude to him, I ran home and got it, and took him 2 of his favorite energy drinks to work, since he seemed like he was not feeling very well. It felt good to just be nice, and not bother with having a stupid fight.

those stupid fights (in hindsight!) take too much out of you!!

Isn't that the truth!

Lea Ann - We did the same thing sort of. We gave the boys spending money when we went out (with a limit of course) but they were expected to do their chores at home as being part of our family. If chores didn't get done, they got restrictions but it didn't affect their spending money. And if they did extras like helping dh in the veggie garden, helping with Spring cleaning... then they got bonus money (kind of like overtime). As they got older, we began to give them chores that they got paid for and got away from the spending money routine because we work for our income and we wanted to teach them the same way. My soon to be 17 yr old ds is now working almost full time, gives to the church and saves 1/2 of his income for emergencies and special things. He hates to take money from us for anything! Very independent! He buys his own toiletries, gas, etc., but will "allow" us to buy him lunch or dinner when we go out as a family. (to be honest, I love his wanting to support himself) My soon to be 14 yr old ds is still in the "put off" mode and is not motivated unless he NEEDS the money for something. (good grief!)
I think you are an exceptional mom and I know you'll find the best thing for your growing up babies!
Blessings,

Pearl--you are too sweet--about the time I think I am doing everything wrong, you come along and give me a boost--THANKS!!

I have gotten some great ideas from you guys and I really NEED for my girls to understand that not everyone has it so good. They are fortunate but have no idea, you know? DH is a spender (I think because his parents were/are so tight) and I am a hoarder (which is weird since my folks both worked and we had everything we thought we needed). Now I have one of each for kids and it's very hard for me--I think everyone should hoard--lol. As much as I LOVE the idea of them having their own money (instead of always asking ME) it's hard for me to let them buy goofy stuff (I know--goofy to me, but exactly what they want!) so i have to let go of that control and let them spend it, be broke, and hope they think a little harder and a little longer next time.

Doing better today! I make extra pots of coffee everytime I go in and see they are running low. I complimented a co-worker on her hair and another on post baby getting skinny.