Who We Are

Our children are not paid for normal daily chores. We teach our children that they are part of a team and we all work together to make the household function properly. If a child does not work, he does not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Therefore, on normal days, our rules are such that you may not eat breakfast until you've done your morning chores, and you may not eat lunch until you've done your assigned schoolwork, and you don't get any playtime until you've done your set of afternoon chores.  

For the younger children who do not have a paid job, we give $1 a week, not as an allowance and not attached to chores. It is a gift of grace to teach them the proper handling of money. From that dollar, 10 cents goes to tithe, at least another 10 cents goes to savings in the bank, and they are free to save or spend the rest. Giving them little bits of money rather than larger amounts teaches them to save up for what they want and to find the best deal. It also teaches them to tithe and save regularly. These are important life skills!

We do help our younger children find work around the neighborhood, which helps the neighbors and blesses the children with some cash. They walk dogs, mow lawns, pull weeds, rake leaves, watch houses while folks are on vacation, etc. Whatever the neighbors need, they know they can ask our kids. Why? Because they are out in the neighborhood and not stuck in a classroom; because they are part of a community, making friends with adults and people young and old; because they have time; because they are home where they belong!

Start young and be consistent, and your children will learn the wise management of money by the time they are ready to fly out on their own. Teach them to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labor. First things first, though; teach them Who the riches come from and where true riches are found: in Christ alone.

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? Luke 16:11

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

~Deborah

___________________________________________________

Love, 

~gena 

[email protected] 

So, do your kids want to make a little extra money like mine do?

Check out this resource for kids who'd like to make some money. It's called Better Than a Lemonade Stand: Small Business Ideas for Kids, by 15-year-old Daryl Bernstein.

And here's a resource for you to read when you are tempted to squash every idea that your kid suggests with sound advice like, "It'll never succeed . . . you can't make money by doing that . . . that's not the right way." It's called Dream Big, by the always charming Todd Wilson.

The hard part isn't for the child but for the parent who likes to have his child do it "my way." The key to teaching entrepreneurship is to let them try it, go for it, bomb, and succeed on their own. When they want to sell rocks for $5 each . . . let them. When they want to have a lemonade stand, let them. When they want to offer some service that they dreamed up, let them. Then stand back and watch what God does.

The bigger goal isn't to teach them how to make money, but to not be afraid, to trust God, and to do what God has placed in their heart. And of course to . . .

. . . be real,

Todd

 _________________________________________________

Are you interested in being on  

the 2011-12 Homeschool Crew? The tryout process is beginning, and we're looking for lots of  

new members.  

Click here to get details

and sign up.

Ruth Beechick, Curriculum Specialist 

and

Debbie Strayer, Homeschool Consultant 

"Five cents per worm; worms must be presented to receive payment," the homeschooling mom in our neighborhood told me. What genius! Worm removal from tomato plants, work ethic built (the kids are extremely observant), and children with spending money all in one stroke! That's what I love about homeschooling. There are as many solutions to problems as there are sweet families out there.

"Leading your child toward the higher goal of an educated mind is stimulating for both you and the child. We might say this is "close encounter of the mind kind." Such encounter occurs at scattered times in daily lessons as you try to explain some of the why's and wherefore's along with the how's. . . ."  

        Ruth Beechick, You Can Teach Your Child Successfully

Even though Ruth was talking about math thinking in this particular quote, it spoke to me about all the creative encounters we have with our children. Ruth has always said that homeschooling is heart-to-heart communication, and that speaks about real life, not just academics. These mind-to-mind encounters include solving problems in a creative and individual way. Our children learn from us, and conversely, we are stimulated to think of new ways to do things because of them.

When my daughter was in high school, we wanted to grant credit for many of the real-life experiences she was having, rather than just following textbooks. We searched the course descriptions in our state for things that would fit her. We found "Practical Entrepreneurship." The course description was informative and gave us tips on topics to learn about, but the focus of the course was already happening. She managed my book table at speaking engagements, ordered stock, and kept inventory and our cash bag. She earned credit and gained experience (and spending money) all at the same time. She also became a careful reader of course descriptions after that as well!

Talk with your children about ways they want to earn money. Challenge them to come up with a plan. Encourage them by discussing their ideas-just to keep it safe and legal! Try to let their ideas bud and bloom before you point out the ways they won't work practically . . . instead, water them with some faith and support and wait to see what fruit comes. Let springtime remind you that He often brings life (and fruit) where we least expect it.

~ Debbie 

Read more from Debbie at www.debbiestrayer.com.

 Did you hear? Teacher's Toolbox is now a subscribers only benefit.

We've built it into an amazing resource you won't want to miss. Don't miss your chance to enjoy exclusive access to our password-protected Teacher's Toolbox filled with endless benefits that are sure to make you smile.

 Subscribe NOW  and you'll receive: 

• Two years worth of quality educational inspiration in the nearly 200 PRINT pages of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine�!
• Teacher's Toolbox membership and all the exciting new perks that go with it to include daily recipes, worksheets, A Day in History monthly Calendar - but even better, you will have access to EVERY digital back issue of TOS Magazine we have ever produced! Yours free - browse at will.
• 19 FREE gifts!  It'll feel like Christmas all spring long as these gifts come rolling in and you start using them with your children. Hard copy books, DVDs, subscriptions to learning sites, and more. Click Here to see what we have waiting for you!