Deep Dive: Is It Sometimes Easier When Our Spouses Aren't Around?

But first of all, I have...

A mailbag I'm so excited about.

Mailbag.

Chrissy emailed us to say, I really enjoyed the episode on chores.

I fall squarely on the side that kids should contribute to household duties and they should not be paid for it.

Keeping the house clean and running smoothly is everybody's job, not just mom.

Chrissy, we're with you so far, right? She says, however, I also see the immense value in having kids earn money for the things that they want.

And I agree with the idea of paying them, as we discussed in the episode, to do sort of bigger tasks around the house when it's time to clean out the garage, when it's time to, I don't know, but take down the Christmas tree, whatever, that you can get a dollar for that.

But she says the challenge in Chrissy's house is that she often finds herself sort of making up those tasks.

Like if they want to buy some new wings for their angel in the video game, she's got to like come up with some tasks she doesn't really want them to do.

And there's only so many times you can clean out the garage.

So Chrissy says...

Why isn't this a thing? A neighborhood app where people can post things they need help with as opportunities for kids to earn money.

Things like cleaning out the garage, but also walking the dog, washing a car, pulling weeds from a garden.

Kids then can choose which things they want to help with and can earn money for helping.

But here's the rub.

Chrissy says parents put in the money so it doesn't cost the neighbors to participate.

Like you're putting 20 bucks into this chore app for your kids.

And then the kids get to choose from a menu of like help the lady across the street bring in her groceries or help, you know, I don't know, fix all the bike tires that need air in this person's garage.

They get to pick the stuff.

You're actually funding it.

And Chrissy argues that this would accomplish several things.

Your kid learns the value of working for something rather than just getting money.

Neighbors get the help they need and for free.

And it helps build community.