Household Harmony: How Chores Can Help Moms and Kids Thrive

Empowering Our Kids for Life

Hey, friend! Today, I’m excited to share insights on teaching kids responsibility and money management through household chores—something that’s been a game-changer in our home. Growing up, chores were a normal part of my life, and while I didn’t always love them, I recognized the invaluable life lessons they taught me. Now, as a mom, I want my kids to learn those same principles of hard work, contribution, and independence.

Let’s dive into how we handle chores in our home and how we use tools like the Greenlight debit card to teach our kids financial responsibility!

Chores: A Family Tradition

I grew up in a middle-class home where chores weren’t optional—they were a way of contributing to the family. Each day, I had tasks like making my bed, setting the dinner table, and, as I got older, even cleaning the bathroom. Doing these tasks made me feel responsible and connected to my family’s well-being.

That experience inspired how we approach chores in our home. We encourage our kids to see themselves as contributors to our family team. And while they may not always love it (who does?), there’s a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with getting it done.

Starting Small: Age-Appropriate Chores

When my kids were little, chores were simple. I remember my son proudly carrying the full diaper genie bag to the back door when he was just two—it made him feel like a “big kid” doing his part! As they grew, they started with small tasks like putting their dirty dishes in the sink and picking up toys. By kindergarten, they began packing their lunches, which has now become second nature to them. This not only lightens my load but also instills in them the importance of preparing for their day independently.

Keeping It Organized with a Chore Chart

To make sure nothing gets overlooked, we use a chore chart. Our “Downstairs Chores” include tasks like filling water bottles, packing backpacks, and loading dishes. “Upstairs Chores” involve getting dressed, brushing teeth, and making beds. We even have “Out the Door” tasks, like putting on shoes and coats—because, let’s be real, some mornings feel like a race against the clock!

And let’s not forget “Afterschool Chores,” where they’re responsible for unloading lunchboxes, putting dishes in the dishwasher, and doing homework before any screen time. This structure keeps our mornings and evenings running smoothly, and our kids know what’s expected without constant reminders.

Introducing the Greenlight Debit Card: A Game-Changer

One challenge we faced was keeping cash on hand for allowances—until I discovered the Greenlight debit card for kids. With Greenlight, each of my kids has their own account, and allowances are deposited automatically, helping them manage their own “income” and learning to budget in the process.

Here’s the system we follow:

1. Giving: 10% goes to a giving account, teaching them about tithing and generosity.

2. Savings: 20% is set aside for savings, building a habit of planning for the future.

3. Spending: 70% goes into their spending account for things like fun outings or small purchases.

Greenlight also has a chore-tracking feature, which makes it easy to confirm completed chores and adjust allowances if needed. The best part? They’re also learning about investing. My son Andrew, who loves collecting things like baseball cards and Funko Pops, has started investing his birthday money. It’s thrilling to see him excited about watching stock prices and making decisions about his future.

Why Chores and Money Management Matter

Giving our kids chores does more than lighten our load—it teaches them essential skills for life. They’re learning how to maintain a home, manage time, and respect their shared living space. And by using Greenlight, they’re also gaining a foundational understanding of financial responsibility, which will set them up for future success.

In a world where managing a household isn’t just the “mom’s job,” I want my sons to grow up as responsible men who contribute equally. My hope is they’ll carry these habits into adulthood, becoming dependable partners and self-reliant individuals.

Free Resources for You

If you’re interested in setting up a chore chart or exploring Greenlight, I’ve got some helpful resources for you! Download a free daily chore chart to get started, and if you’re curious about Greenlight, use my special code for an extra $30 in your account when you sign up.

Teaching our kids the value of hard work, responsibility, and money management is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. And along the way, it makes our home run just a little smoother, a little brighter, and a lot more joyful. Let’s raise the next generation of responsible, compassionate, and financially savvy individuals together!

PS: In this photo below, Andrew did extra chores around the house to order this Met's City Connect hat. Also, if you listen to the podcast episode, you'll notice that I mentioned he's in 6th grade, he's actually in 7th, whoops! He would like everyone to know that he is indeed in 7th grade 😆