A MUM has revealed how she makes her son buy Christmas presents using money he has earnt from chores – and she pays him based on “how well” he does each job.
Carla Dillion admits she has a “f**k around and find out” attitude when it comes to her kids – and just because it’s the does not mean that changes.
Mum Carla has come under fire as she make her son buy his own prezziesCredit: Jam Press/Carla Dillon
The mum-of-two, who has a 13-year-old son and daughter aged seven, wants her children to comprehend and earning their keep.
The mum, who describes her kids as “feral” and implements “harsh” methods to keep them in check, says her teenager has to earn money around the house in order to enjoy Christmas.
She will pay her son for his chores, but how much he gets depends on his performance.
Cayden, 13, can then use this money to for his loved ones.
Cayden with his Xmas shopping receiptCredit: Jam Press/Carla Dillon
Carla, who admits she tried gentle parenting in the past but decided it wasn’t for her, said: “He will do extra chores around the house, or help neighbours, to earn his keep.”
“There’s no choice for him, it’s a requirement,” she added.
Explaining her parenting decision, Carla said: “My son is a teenager now, so he’s responsible wholeheartedly for any gifts he wants to get people – and that includes using his own money, rather than me buying it.”
She also noted he cannot just opt out of buying people gifts so he doesn’t have to do chores.
Carla, from Virginia in the US, continued: “There must be at least one person, of his choice, that he gets something for – no ifs or buts.”
“It’s all about giving, rather than getting,” she added.
However, she does not expect her children to buy her a gift. Carla said: “My present is going to be having a good Christmas and seeing them happy.”
Carla said her son understands the reasoning behind her rules. She added: “But at one point, he asked if he could buy himself something. Again, I explained that this is about giving, not getting [gifts] for ourselves.”
“He agreed and understood that, for the current time, he should be focusing on others,” she said.
Cayden gets a certain amount, depending on the chore and good of a job he has done.
For raking leaves in the garden, he earned £14.95. Plus for unloading the dishwasher he got £1.49, and for cleaning his walls and door he earned £3.75.
Luckily, he is not alone; Carla also gets her seven-year-old daughter to learn the value of money too.
She has to sell or donate a few of her toys she no longer plays with in a bid to earn some money to buy presents.
Carla, who said Christmas is a huge deal in her family, shared: “She does some things, but she’s younger so it’s harder. I made her sell a couple of toys she no longer uses on Facebook Marketplace. In total she got $35 [£26] which isn’t bad.”
She added: “With her money, she bought a present for her dad, big brother and her grandma. She’s so excited to give them the presents.”
Best Christmas gifts for people who have everything
The team have put their heads together and shared the best gifts to give someone who has everything already!
Candle
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Candle wick trimmer
, Fabulous Magazine Beauty Editor
“For the pickiest recipients, buy tools rather than cosmetics. To pair with the a candle, Jo Malone’s London Ribbon and Bow Metal Candle Wick Trimmer, £34 , is my favourite find of the season, and an essential for any candle lover. It’s even pretty enough to double up as an ornament!”
Luxury tea
, Senior Reporter
“For that person in your life who literally has everything, why not stock up their cupboard and treat them to tasty teas that scream luxury? We Brits love a good brew, and Fortnum & Mason have smashed it out of the park with their Famous Tea Selection . Complete with 120 tea bags, it’s a brilliant gift for tea devotees and at £30, it’s not badly priced either.”
Rose plant
, Associate Editor
“Maybe I’m biased because I love gardening, but giving a rose bush as a Christmas present is not only personal and thoughtful, but it’s the gift that keeps on growing and blooming long after the Christmas decorations have been put away. What’s more, late December is the ideal time to pot or plant a bare-root rose.
“ You Garden’s Rose Black Baccara makes a stunning addition to any outdoor space; its velvety blooms in sultry, deep burgundy shades provide a dramatic addition during the summer. And for just £17.99, it can also pass as a great Secret Santa gift.”
Scarf
, Fashion Editor & , Fashion Stylist
“Men can be notoriously tricky to buy for, but you can’t go wrong with a classic tartan scarf. Barbour’s iconic Wool Patchwork scarf, £49.95, in Forest/Bronze Brown delivers warmth and style. Soft, cosy and timeless, it’s a refined finishing touch for cold-weather outfits.”
Carla said she does get her children some presents. She shared: “I’m getting them a few special things, such as a basketball hoop for my son, and my daughter wants to do gymnastics, so I got her a suit and balance beam, along with a few other things.”
The mum’s goal is to raise children who can navigate the world on their own, while respecting others and themselves.
She said: “Christmas is a big deal in our house – we go big. I don’t want the reason for the reason to be lost, I want them to understand the magic is created and for them to feel a part of making the magic happen for someone else.”
Issuing advice to other parents, she continued: “As parents, our sole purpose is to raise our children to good adults. We should take every opportunity to teach them selflessness, kindness and generosity.
“Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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