Pay Day

No one can deny that payday is their favorite day of the week. But what happens when you are no longer the employee –but rather the boss? And just how much do you pay these micro employees? And just what do their job descriptions entail?

At Casa Del Whirlwind, pay is at an all time low. All work is done on a volunteer basis. So far, there has been no mutiny, but I feel those days are numbered. With a growing affection to all things Pokémon and knowledge gleamed from communicating with peers*, it's only a matter of time before they demand an allowence.

So far, it’s been accepted that it is their job to help set the table, clear their plates when finished, help make their beds and pick up toys when they are finished playing with them. Einey has even started helping with the laundry, if she’s with me, she’ll try to mate socks and fold the washcloths. Moe feels it’s her duty to clean the lint filter and will fight for that job. All three of the girls take turns making sure the dog is fed and has clean water. Come time to feed the lizard, they take turns going to the pet store and “paying” for the crickets and then carrying them back home. Other than that, their other responsibilities are finishing their homework when they come home from school and being nice to their siblings. Now granted, not every task is carried out without complaint, but they usually get most of it done.

During the summer months, they help outside by raking, planting, and carrying sticks to new locations. They pull weeds and pick the vegetables. None of this is required of them, they just think its fun to help. When does it go from being fun to being a chore?

Apparently I should be paying them for these tasks. Or so it's been mentioned. Just when should they get an allowance? And for what tasks? Is it too much to just expect them to do basic household help without expecting money for it? Or should I have to pay them to do things that should be their responsibility to do in the first place?

*Daughter goes to a private school where not only is it apparent that many kids get allowances, but also the Tooth Fairy leaves $5.00 per tooth.

10/10 @ 10:00

The New England Mamas support all mothers as they love and feed their babies. The League of Maternal Justice is hosting a virtual Breast Fest today. A member of the League says:

We'll be asking mothers across the blogosphere to whip out their weapons of mass nourishment and feed their babies live via web cam in a Virtual Nurse-In, or to send us pics of themselves in their past or present breastfeeding glory for a montage breastfeeding video footage that might just make Bill Maher fall off his chair. ...Not a breastfeeder? We love your boobs too -- but in case you don't feel like flashing them, write a post, or put up a snazzy boobalicious button. Boob-shy? Same goes for you - you don't have to bare your breasts to support the cause.

Whether you're a nurser or not, I think we can all agree that being a mom is tough enough without having to defend your choices to insensitive passers-by. Visit the League today or post a story of your own (like this one here) in support of all moms who just want to have the freedom to do right by their babies.