Kids and allowances

I don't give my kids (6, 8, 9) and allowance, because for the amount of chores I feel they can handle, it's really not worth it. My oldest is required to take out the trash, my youngest is required to feed the dog. The middle is required to keep her room clean (believe me, for her, this is a big deal). If they go a week doing all their homework, behaving at home and in school, doing their chores, they get a small prize at the end of the week (a reading book, crayons, a small toy etc), in addition to getting to watch a movie (of my choice) and pizza on Friday night. As they get older, I will probably give them a few dollars a week, and they can learn the value of money. Right now, all they would do is spend it on ice cream at lunch in school. They do get birthday money and also get money from their grandparents for getting good grades, so it's not like they don't get money to spend on whatever they want.

I would get an allowance but I didn´t consider it as payment for behaving or doing chores. because like you said, I had todo those anyways. I wouldn´t get an allowance if i was punished for something but I usually put it in my bank account anyways. that was one thing we had to do. We got an allowance but always had to save some of it. And besides i remember going tomy grandparents and them giving me money so I don´t think theres anything wrong with an allowance.

Good day... Nope I won't. For me chores are chores, good grades are good grades and gifts are gifts. I was brought up with these principles, I do chores because I must do my share of work in the house because everyone does. I have to get good grades because it can help me get into the university and the course I want, My family give me gifts if they can afford it without me even asking because they simply want to give it to me and because they love me. And this is also how I would raise my children.

My kids are still too young for this but I have no plans for giving them an allowance especially for behaving and keeping their rooms clean. I feel that these are things that they should be doing anyway and not be compensated for. I want them to learn responsiblity and that things need to be done for the sack of taking care of yourself and not just for money. I will probably give them money of the own when they are older but it will be for other reasons then basic things I think they should due anyway.

Allowances...for me they aren't really payments for doing good or getting good grades at school. In my opinion, if you have time, you should just prepare home-made foods for your kids to bring at school also give them an amount of money so that they will learn to budget by themselves. And sometimes, just treat them, give them some time. Bond with them and get closer with them.

In my personall opinion, when I was a kid I used to get 50p per week when at the same time some of my friends were gettin £5/week for doing nothing at all but they still moaned that it wasn't enough. If you do decided to give your kids money then be pre-warned, it'll never be enoiugh and they'll always want more.

When I was younger and asked for an allowance my parents just laughed at me. They told me that I lived in the house to and needed to help out. I personally feel that allowance to help teach responsibility, and teach children that their good behaviors and actions can be rewarded. I will do allowance when my daughter gets old enough. Some think its bribery, but I think the jewel system your friend does works really well. It allows them to set goals, and realize that they are working towards something. Good luck.

I think that's good to show your kids that money comes from hard work and not simply from your wallet. If they understand the fact that money comes form hard work they would be handling money better in the future and you need not to worry about them. Besides having them do some chores is also good for them so that they would learn to be independent and disciplined in life.

I have a 6 year old daughter as well. She is very motivated VISUALLY, as I believe most kids are. Charts are a great idea (even the dry erase kind that she can put marks on herself -- of course, with you watching ;) The jewel system sounds interesting. I think that it is extremely important for kids to learn the concept of money at an early age. My 13 year old daughter obviously didn't learn it too well, as she tells me she would like to save her own money and just use mine to buy things she wants. Isn't that something else??? I laugh on the inside, but really, it isn't all that funny when you think about it. Kids these days just think they should get toys and money anytime they want something. I am guilty of giving in, I have to admit, but we plan to do a much better job with my 6 year old so she doesn't turn out like her sister. It's a different day and age, I say. Much different than when I was a child, but much more different than OUR parents lives. Don't you think? I don't think kids should get paid for doing things they should already be helping out with (keeping their rooms picked up and clean, etc....), but perhaps you could reward your child with a small allowance or trip to a special (free) place - like the library or just "one on one time" doing what she chooses with you, by doing other things like feeding the cat/dog or helping clear the table after dinner. Sometimes kids just want our TIME and they feel like a million bucks if we give them that. Don't you wish these kids came with an instruction book??? :)