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Harmonious labour relations

Last night we sat down with our daughter to discuss her weekly allowance and the chores she does for it. Daughter adopted the unorthodox negotiating tactic of turning up for talks in her nightie with Bunny as her union rep 🐰

We then discussed what she already does (tidies her room, vacuums the floors, cleans the car every other week, washing up), and what she could do in the future as she grows older and more responsible (laundry, preparing family meals without wrecking the kitchen, washing windows and other places that her shorter parents cannot reach 🥴).

Our girl is very enthusiastic to try new things and take on responsibility. Less sure about how she should price her labour. She accumulated such riches over the summer holidays through babysitting and dog walking that I had to open another bank account for her as she had exceeded the upper limit on her junior savings account. She has no expensive vices beyond a marshmallow habit. She doesn't want a fancy phone. Most of her sports clothes and equipment are paid for from a bursary. We mainly replace school uniform with hand downs from her cousins or from a school swap shop.

We agreed a 50% uplift, well above inflation and no doubt highly irresponsible in the current economic climate. Birthday season is coming around and she will have some extra outgoings on presents for family. More importantly, she's happy, we're happy, and surplus wealth has been redistributed a little more efficiently.

This is how things pass in our little socialist commonwealth. Jobs are allocated according to preference and ability and we all share in the fruits of our collective labours. Workers are happy and properly rewarded, we can all sleep soundly in our beds at night 😌
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JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
I was fortunate. My only chore was to do my homework. My parents never trusted me to do anything else. I tried to clean once because of some filth I found and my dad had a fit. We think he might have mild OCD.

I got no allowance, my parents spent little on treats or extras, I seldom had money in my pocket to spend, and I never had a job.
Musicman · 61-69, M
@JoyfulSilence That's terrible! I feel so bad for you. I didn't have chores either. My dad owned a residential construction company. He told me I was going to work for him the summer between first and second grade. I was to clean out all of his new houses every day. I got a dollar a day. From there on I worked summer vacations, school holidays and weekends as I got older. I did have money, but it was only because I worked hard for it. He always paid me a dollar an hour less then anyone else who worked for him. He felt that way people wouldn't have the nerve to ask him for a raise.
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
@Musicman

Your father is a criminal, hiring children. Yet I suppose all parents who make kids do things in return for money are, in that sense. Or do child labor laws not apply inside the family? At least you go free room and board, education, and health care, too.

I suppose labor laws don't apply to farms and household chores. Otherwise housewives (and husbands) I suppose would even be entitled to at least minimum wage. Yet then would they have to pay rent?
Musicman · 61-69, M
@JoyfulSilence They definitely didn't apply in the 1960's and 70's. From 12 on I paid for all the goodies in my life. The stereo, a 14' John boat, a couple of motorcycles. I was an idiot! I should have invested that money. They did take care of housing, food and medical.
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
@Musicman

Sounds like you had some fun times. My older brother liked to fish. He would have liked a boat!
Musicman · 61-69, M
@JoyfulSilence Yes I did. My childhood wasn't all bad. I wish someone had counseled me more on saving and investing though.
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
@Musicman

My parents were friugal, which rubbled off on me.

Except restaurants: I spend a lot of money on those.

I put a lot in my 401k and it is doing well. Except for the financial crisis. I lost at lot. But I got it all back, and then some!

I want to stop work, and live off savings until it is all gone. Nothing left for relatives. Except Mom if she is still around.
Musicman · 61-69, M
@JoyfulSilence You are a good man and son. 🤗
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
@Musicman

Yay!