I CAME across a cute activity to do with my daughter, Emily (6), during the lockdown period. It was sent to me by my sister, who has also implemented this with her two kids (10 and 3).
It teaches them a great value – how to work for money. But for this game, you don’t need to use real money (we’d be broke after the first day!). Rather use something like Monopoly money. If you don’t have Monopoly, you can draw your own money on a piece of paper.
First, they receive a list of chores they need to do around the house (clean their room, read a book) and next to the chore you write how much money they will earn if they complete this task.
- You can also deduct money for naughty behaviour like being rude or throwing tantrums!
Next, you compile a list of all the items or activities they can “buy”. Whether it is chips, chocolate, juice or watching television, they need to pay.
- Limit them on the number of times they are allowed to buy these “snacks” as you don’t want unhealthy or sick kids.
- Healthy food and water are free, of course.
When they have completed a task on the list, they get paid the corresponding amount for the “work” they did. And then they can do their “shopping”.
This is really a great game to play. The little ones can’t wait to do their chores to get paid and shop, but it also teaches them that nothing in life is free; you need to work hard for your money. Also you need to work smart with your money – if it’s done, it’s done . . . then you need to work some more!
And it’s no coincidence that reading and doing some school work pays the most!
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