It’s a dog-eat-dog work world out there!
Workers need to be proactive problem solvers and savvy negotiators to thrive in today’s increasingly entrepreneurial, gig-oriented economy.
So, how do we encourage those skills in our kids early on?
Try ditching the parent-driven allowance and chore systems. Put the kids in charge instead.
That’s what we’re seeing some families do on our family finance site.
Parents are putting the onus on the kids to:
- Identify work that needs to be done around the house.
- Do the work.
- Negotiate payment.
How do I know? I sifted through some recent (anonymous) money request data from FamZoo.com. Here’s a sampling:
| Child Request | Parent Response |
|---|---|
| $10.00 “Mowed lawn front and back.” |
Approved $10.00. “Thank you!” |
| $16.00 “Monday: Worked 3 hrs Add $1 because I put G*** to sleep in the bed. Total owed: $16.” |
Approved $16.00. (Nicely played with the proactive bonus work.) |
| $2.00 “I helped T*** with the plants, and I am awesome so I deserve it anyways.” |
Approved $2.00. “Lucky I didn’t decline.” (Looks like a shot across the bow from Mom to polish up those negotiating skills!) |
| $10.00 “I helped you with gardening stuff yesterday for 3 hours... ($2.50/hour + $2.50 for no whining!)” |
Approved $10.00. “Thank you! I couldn’t get done so quickly without you!!! And the No Whining is SO NICE ;).” (Clever touch with the no-whining surcharge.) |
| $5.00 “I helped clean up the pool deck.” |
Approved $15.00. “You worked really hard. Thank you for all of your help! You deserve $15 instead of $5. Love, Dad” (Ka-ching! Over-delivery scores the big payoff!) |
| $250.00 “I would like this because I am the best human being on this planet. No one can ever out do my awesomeness or be as good as me! (Plus I also really want a laptop and a phone and a shopping spree) Please keep this notified in your mind! Warm Regards, Your Favorite child of all times.” |
Declined. $0.00. (As they say, talk is cheap. No results, no money!) |
These parents don’t have to remember to make allowance payments or set up chore schedules. If the kids need money, the ball is in their court. The rules are simple: Identify work that needs to be done, do it, and negotiate your own compensation.
Sounds like a pretty appealing system, doesn’t it?
Forcing kids to be proactive problem solvers and savvy negotiators today will give them a leg up in the business world tomorrow — from dog-eat-dog to top dog.
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