More than Pocket Money: The Value of an Allowance
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Health Tip of the Week Giving your child an allowance has a larger benefit than just having some extra pocket money. When your child earns a weekly sum for doing her chores regularly, she learns the value of being responsible for herself and also the importance of contributing to the family household. You also start the process of teaching your child vital life skills about managing money, budgeting and saving. But how much is enough? At what age can your child start earning? And what kinds of chores can she handle?
Since the ability to handle financial and household responsibilities varies with age, here is a guide to help you understand what your child may be ready to handle. Every child is different, and you know your child best. Some younger children may be able to handle more — some older children less.
It stands to reason that older children would receive more allowance, younger less. But how to decide the amount? A good rule of thumb is to give a dollar for your child’s age – $5 a week for 5-year-olds, $12 a week for 12-year-olds, etc. You should adjust this amount based on your family’s financial situation. If you can’t afford to give an allowance or to give as much as you would like, you can be honest and explain that the family’s finances make it difficult to pay a weekly allowance.
When your child becomes a teenager, you could encourage him to get a part-time job and supplement his allowance on his own. Babysitting and after-school jobs are great ways for your teen to learn the importance of earning his own money.
Children of all ages can contribute to the family through chores.
Children 4 to 5 can do all of the above plus:
Children 6 to 7 can handle all of the above plus:
Children 8 to 10 can handle more advanced chores such as:
Contributed by: Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr., MD
Categories: Weekly Health Tips, Raising Responsible Kids
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