The Token System

For nearly a year, the kids have been on "the token system." What is the token system? It is a system of handling money as well as an incentive system to have the kids do work around the house without having to hound them.

Here is how it works. Instead of giving allowances to the kids, we (mostly Mary) developed a schedule of jobs and prices that would be paid for each job. The kids "volunteer" to do these jobs in order to get money to pay for the things they need and/or want. The kids are also paid for their school grades because that is their primary "employment" at this point in life.

Each week, Mary settles up with the kids and they are required to pay 10% to the church (tithe) and 10% into savings. The rest they save and/or spend. Mary has set up a series of envelopes for each child where they can put allocated funds for such things as "cell phone," "toiletries" (they have to buy a good bit of their own clothes and toiletries now that we're on the token system), "Blackburn books" (which they are also required to buy), "camp money," etc.

The key to this system is making sure there is a legitimate need all the time. If the kids earn enough money and buy everything they want, then the work stops because there is no need.

It's been a good learning experience for all of us. The only downside is that there is a bit too much talk about money around the house for my taste, but overall, it has been a good experience and the kids are learning how to be a good steward of the money God entrusts to them.