A few months ago I mentioned a chip system we have implemented here wherein chores are voluntary and screen time has a price.  The kids do chores of their own choosing to earn chips which they can exchange for cash or for time on the computer or watching a movie.  In short, we became a free market economy.

Before this, one of Christopher and Lydia’s daily responsibilities was emptying the dishwasher, a task they shared.  When I was establishing the pay for routine chores I set this at one chip which is equal to $.50 or half an hour screen time.  Neither kid wanted to do it.  I didn’t say anything for several days, but emptied it myself knowing that eventually someone (I suspected Christopher) would get desperate and take it on.  

I neglected to mention this to Paul.  One morning he opened the dishwasher, noted that it was clean and asked if either of the big kids wanted to empty it.  Both declined.  I can’t remember if he asked why, but he figured out that the pay was too low and before you could say “What the…!” he raised it to two chips.  Christopher immediately set to work, whistling happily.

I dragged Paul into the bedroom and asked him exactly what he thought he was doing.  “Babe, the market wouldn’t bear one chip, so I raised it to two.”  

“I knew that!”  Then I explained to him how I was waiting it out.  “You just nullified that AND sent them the message that, if they want to get more money, they should just wait ME out.”

He was appropriately penitent and promised not to undermine my labor negotiations in the future.  He suggested resetting the pay but I told him not to bother.

For months I have had my dishwasher emptied without having to ask to the sound of a happy boy whistling.  It has been worth every penny.

Tonight Paul, again without conferring with me, announced to the kids that the price was being reset to one chip.  Lydia was nonplussed as she is a saver and a young tycoon.  Christopher was appalled and I think he went into shock.  When I walked into the room he asked me if I agreed.  Since Paul and I try to be a united front before the kids, I simply asked, “What did your dad say?”

He staggered back and burst into tears.  Remember, the lad is thirteen, but he’s not keeping it inside; he’s not going to hide his feelings.

Sobbing loudly he managed to speak, “I have made a fortune on that and now, POOF!  It’s all gone.”

Denial, bargaining and then right into anger.  

I’ll let you know if he makes it to acceptance.