Children grow up so fast these days, I was reading age appropriate chore charts and can’t believe that Lee is put in the category of preteen age already (age 9-12). It said that children in this preteen age are capable of increasing responsibility where chores are concerned. Keep in mind that many children this age rely on continuity. Find a system that works for your family and do not change it without the input and support of the people it directly affects. Make sure that you factor in rewards and consequences and address those issues with your children. Let them know the consequences of not completing chores, as well as the rewards for fulfilling their responsibilities.
I have to say well put, as for Lee she gets allowance for doing her chores. She is saving to go to Paris, it looks like she has many years of saving to do. I guess Max is doing his chores also, he is a good watchdog.
Part of the reward was to take Lee out for a lobster treat. This was her first lobster, and I didn’t bring my camera. I’m glad that she was able to capture it with her Nintendo DSiXL.
I’m not a fan of pop-up flash but was really surprised of how well this image came out. Perhaps it was because I used the zoom lens and also taking the image from a distance.
Nye Noona 
Nye, were you shooting it on AUTO-mode? I hate pop-up flash too, but I been practicing shooting on Manual mode with different settings.
Seeharhed, I was shooting on a manual mode and you can push the pop-up flash button if you need flash. It’s hard to get the color to be correct at night with dim lighting and flash does help. If you have a flash, I read that some photographer likes to bounce it off the wall or ceiling to get a nice warm color. Aiming it directly at the subject makes it look harsh at close range and with pop-up flash you have no choice but to aim it directly at the subject, and shooting it from a distance helps. I’m learning to use my zoom lens for composition and not so much for distance.
I absolutely ADORE this shot of Max and Lee. It is my favorite on your blog by far. I think you should enter it somewhere. It captures so much feeling. Both dog and Lee are adorable (LOVE that she is standing on a little stool). So sweet.
Thanks Geni, they grow up so fast, I’m glad that Lee is eager to help out around the house. The stool is what got me to take the picture, I think 6 months from now she won’t be needing it. 🙂
That’s a great shot of Lee; I like how you have the shot framed and also catching Max looking out the window.
And I so agree with your philosophy about chores for children. Chores teach children responsibility, how to manage their time between study, play, and work…and the allowance they get teaches them about saving money and what to spend or not to spend.
Great post, Nye!
Thanks Jeffrey, I recalled when we were little we had more responsibilities and at Lee’s age some would know how to cook meals for the family. But I think those days are over. Since she has to spend her own money on toys now, she learned to be more thrifty. 🙂
Does she make more mess than she clean? hahaha!
My kids loves to do dishes too….for now and I let them vacuum their own room. Wait until they are teenager and they will be too busy to do anything but talking to their friends.
Hi Dallas, at the beginning she was but she’s getting a lot better now. She loves to cook and I’m sure I’ll be needing her help in the kitchen soon. 🙂
“Let them know the consequences of not completing chores, as well as the rewards for fulfilling their responsibilities.” – I agree with that one!
The photo of Lee and Max is too cute. It’s so nice that you get capture these moments. Sometimes I wish there were more candid photos of my childhood too.
Cambree, she is growing up too fast these days. She’s at the age where reasoning makes sense to her now and still has a lot to learn about responsibilities. I don’t have many childhood picture also, I’m glad that I got into photography and able to capture her growing up. The investment is well worth it.
I love your photos, and those of Lee on the step-stool speak a million words with which Mrs S and myself are very familiar. Great shots.
Mrs S works on the rewards-for-chores principle too. If I do as I’m told she lets me live another day….
Have a nice day, Boonie
Boonie, thanks.
Your wife sounds like a wonderful person. 🙂
Wow…nice photo from a DS! I’m like Lee, it is getting time for a lobster meal. Hope she enjoyed her first one. Probably tasted sweeter since she earned it. 🙂
Pop up flashes are handy for photos of stuff and for fill flash. Not to flattering for people photos.
Hi Scott, I was impressed with her game and it holds the SD card for photo as well. It’s a perfect camera for her.
She loves the lobster and talks about going back, but it might be awhile before she could afford another one. 🙂