The kids are getting to an age where things like pocket money and household chores should be part of life. In most cases they seem willing already to help with things — there’s always enthusiasm to use the garden shears to trim the bushes, or flatten boxes for the recycling, for instance. As for watering the garden, they’re so keen they have to take turns with the trigger nozzle and hose.

In these enlightened times, perhaps competitive tendering could be the way to go. Rather than arbitrarily give jobs and pocket money to a particular kid, but let them put in bids for it. As in government and industry, it wouldn’t necessarily be the lowest bid that wins, but also other factors such as the ability to do the job, past performance, guarantees.

I wonder if I could set up a Public/Private Partnership-type arrangement for management of their bedroom for the next decade or so, with responsibility falling to me once they grow up and move out?

There could even be a case for off-shoring. If one of the kids from across the street offers to take my bins out every week for less money, should I allow that job to go outside my own house?

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Tender title: Washing of Dad’s car

Description: Dad’s car is a significant mode of transportation for members of the household, and is normally located on the front driveway. Tenders are called for the regular washing of the car, in accordance with current Victorian state water restrictions.

Reference: Car/001