Should I hire my own kids to work for me?

[Gordon Starr]

Hey everyone,

I am a sole proprietor with a steadily expanding buy and hold portfolio. My kids are age 8 (son) and 10 (daughter). As a single dad with sole custody, the kids have always tagged along in some way - sometimes looking over my shoulder at the computer, sometimes riding along to look at property. Up till now they haven't done much actual work, but they are learning a tremendous amount of valuable skills. As everyone grows, the kids would like to make money and I would like to pay them. Thanks in advance if you have any thoughts on this subject. How best should I pay them? How much? What could we do that is legal and right? Has anyone else experience hiring their children?

All the best, Gordon