Summer break is wonderful – but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. While the kids are home and my husband’s working, it sometimes feels like the house is in constant motion – and the to-do list never ends.

This summer, I decided to try something new: I created a housework-for-pocket-money system for my kids.

I made a simple list of household tasks – from folding laundry, cooking, and vacuuming to helping with grocery shopping and garden work. For each task, I added a small amount of money they could earn if they chose to do it (you decide in advance what amount seems reasonable), along with a weekly maximum they could earn. No pressure, no assigned chores – just a list and the chance to earn a bit of extra pocket money.

To my surprise, it worked even better than I expected.

Not only did the kids show interest – they actually started fighting over who got to do the jobs first! Suddenly, tasks I’d normally have to nag about were being done eagerly. And even better: they began to understand just how much effort it takes to keep a home running smoothly.

We use stickers (each child has their own color) to keep track: every time they complete a task, they get a sticker. At the end of the week, we total everything up and pay out the earned amount. Then, we wipe the board and start fresh every Monday – which keeps things motivating and fun week after week.

If you’re a parent feeling a bit tired during the long summer weeks, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving this a try. I’ve put together a downloadable version of our task list that you’re welcome to use or adapt for your own family.

Of course, not every child can do every task – but I’ve found that when you show them how, they’re often capable of more than you expect. My 9-year-old twins, for example, love cleaning the bathroom! I showed them the steps once, and now my daughter proudly tells me how much she enjoys it. Whether it’s wiping down surfaces, watering the garden, or putting away groceries, there’s always a way for kids of different ages to pitch in.

👉 Download the housework-for-pocket-money list here!

Let me know how it goes – and whether your kids surprise you with what they want to help with, like mine did!

/Malin