A single-parent family is like any other family. It is only as strong as its individual members. It is also dependent on shared goals for its success. Your child needs to have responsibility to the family explained and modeled to her. She needs to know the reality of money and time constraints. Reality says there is a time frame in which every thing must be done. Reality also says that all bills and expenses must be covered by a certain budget.

Family meetings can allow everyone to make decisions about allocating family resources and responsibilities. Some of the responsibilities will be allocated to everyone, such as keeping one's room clean. Then, children may select chores they prefer to do, such as clearing the table or feeding the pets. Remaining chores may be assigned on a rotating basis or allocated according to age and skills. For example, older children may do laundry while younger ones help fold. Children need to know that parents cannot complete all of the chores and need help in order to devote more time to the children.

If your child contributes to household chores, an allowance can help teach him about the work force and earning a salary. Another reward can be television privileges or activities funded by family resources, which your child earns by fulfilling responsibilities. Develop a list of chores not included in the list of regular responsibilities, such as cleaning the garage, for which extra rewards may be earned. Explain that if your have to pay someone to mow the grass, there isn't money in the budget to go to the movies. If everyone pitches in to mow the grass, weed, plant, flowers, and edge the yard, the money you didn't have to pay someone else is money the family can use for entertainment as a reward for hard work. Emphasize development of responsibility and the importance of working together as a family. These values will set the stage for productivity in the work force as your child moves into the future.

Your child should not be paid for doing her share of family responsibilities. If she puts successful effort into doing a job that would require a plumber, a painter, or a mechanic, then pay her. That way, she will have the money (or a small part of the money) you would have given to someone else. Now she can buy a new CD or save for a new pair of athletic shoes. You benefit, the family benefits, and your child benefits from a lesson in reality.