Think she's ready for politics

Every time we go into Target (which is way too much for my bank account) and we walk by the toy section, Charlotte sees these Barbie fairies that she wants. Nay, covets.

"Momma, can I PWEASE have that Barbie fairy with the pretty wings?"

"No baby, not today. You have plenty of toys." The truth is, I want to buy it for her. I want to buy her everything she wants. I have to stop myself from giving in to her pleading eyes and polite begging because I don't want to spoil her. I don't want her growing up thinking all she has to do is ask for something and she'll get it.

"Okay, Momma. I'll save my money."

Last week, Mike and I figured she was old enough to learn about chores and earning and saving. We sat her down and explained that as part of this family, we each pitch in to keep the house running. That it's her responsibility to clean up her toys when she's done, put her plate in the sink, pick up her clothes and put them in the hamper. Those are expected. But then we added that if she did something above her normal responsibilities and helped beyond, she could earn an allowance.

"Like what Momma?"

"Well, you can help Momma unload the dishwasher by putting all the cups and bowls on the counter. Or help Sawyer clean up his toys since he still needs help. Or get a wet rag and help Daddy wipe down the cabinets. Anything you do extra, we'll give you some money. And you can put it in your piggy bank. And when you have enough, we can go to Target and you can get your Fairy Barbie. Or you can save it for something bigger. It's your money to do what you want with it. But you have to earn it."

"Can I buy more jeans with my money?" She's currently obsessed with jeans.

"No honey. Momma and Daddy will still buy all of your clothes and food. You never have to worry about that. Unless you want an $80 pair of jeans when you're 15 and then you're on your own."

"Umm, Okay! Let's clean something!"

So for the past few days, she's been helping extra and waiting for the one-dollar bill or few coins of change I have in my pocket. She "washed" the glass front door. She "swept" the kitchen floor.
Obviously, I realize she's not doing anything but making things harder for me but she's learning a concept - one I value above having to re-wash the windows. She's learning that hard work is rewarded, that she has to work for the things she wants in life.

She puts the coins in her pocket and runs to get her kitty cat bank where she stuff the bills and jingles the coins around.

"I think I'm almost there!"

"Well, sometimes it takes a long time to save up for something you really want. You have to be patient. We'll count the coins together every week and when you have enough, we'll go to the store"

The other day we were at my in-laws and she found this hideously annoying flute toy. It was literally making my ears hurt. To be funny, I said I'd give her a dollar if she stopped playing it. She did so I kept my promise even though I realized I'd just given her her first lesson in bribery.

Yesterday I was home all day with the kids while Mike worked a 12-hour shift. Charlotte helped me clean out my car while Sawyer napped. She threw away the garbage and helped me wipe down the windows so I gave her all the change in my console.

"I'm earning more money, Momma!"

"Yes you are. I'm very proud of you. You're learning a good lesson."

After we went back in the house for lunch, I gave the kids some bowls and spoons to play drums with while I cleaned up lunch and did the dishes. Charlotte went into the cabinet and grabbed a stainless steel saucepan and began banging that with a metal ladle.

She looked me dead in the eye and said, "If you want me to stop, I'll need some coins."