Kids find tough times on the farm

Times are tough here on the farm. Not for us but for some of our kids. A couple have jobs, and I think they make more than Ron and I.

It's created a heated debate between Ron and I as well. Don't get me wrong, heated debates are good in a marriage. This one's just north of an argument but also more south of casual conversation.

"How much are we going to pay the kids for work done around here?" Big D asked me the other day.

Some people say you need to pay kids for chores in the form of allowance. I say yes to that, but not much. Call me a mean mom, but kids need to pull their weight around the house. That's especially so in a large farm houseful such as this one. Sorry to inform you all, but I don't do all of the housework.

I'm very old school in this respect. Putting in your time according to their age is an important part of teaching a child respect, a good work ethic and character. Besides, I've got some messy kiddos.

"Are they complaining about their $1 per week?" I ask.

I know, it sounds horrible, but we're not all that bad. If they want a special something, they usually get it because we let them know we appreciate a job well done. In other words, we make them earn extras, such as games and toys. Also, a meal out is a reward as well.

This is how I grew up, and I seriously don't recall wanting for anything. I had a great life. I also think "things" or money don't equal love, so like a friend said, "We're poor but rich in love. And that's what matters."

So Ron was thinking we need to "up" the money for business stuff. If the kids work in the cabinet shop, the grapes, the apples, the raspberries, they get paid. We settled on an hourly wage based on age. That way, what they make for money depends on how hard they want to work, building that "work ethic" thing some more. We may discuss a raise after 90 days.

I discussed it with each one. ... They were on board.

So I made them time cards, and they will have to fill them out and give them to us on Saturday night. They'll get paid Monday morning. I also told them it is their responsibility to keep hold of said cards and not to lose them, or they won't get paid.

Such is the life on this farm. Hopefully, this will instill an even better work ethic and responsibility in those kids.

Love them!

Happy Trails and job applications,Fairchild Farmgirl