Does anyone do allowances for their kids anymore?

Evelyn - posted on 12/16/2012

My son gets an allowance but he has to earn it. He gets total ten dollars a month. He is 15. He is not allowed to date, he has no cell phone and frankly does not care if he has one at this point or not. He is working towards an XBOX 360. He does laundry, cleans, dishes. and other things around the house. BUT he was doing this before I decided to do allowance. I am also using this to teach him basic home living skills so he does not have to depend on someone to do it for him when he gets on his own.

Jenelle - posted on 11/19/2012

I live with my daughter and her children. I pay the children their pocket money. I started at 3. They have to do chores for their money. As they get older they get more chores. My 7 year old grandson gets $10 every 2 weeks. He has to put money in his school bank account every week out of his pocket money. He unpacks his school bag and lunch box, puts the recycling in the outside bin every couple of days. He puts his own clothes away and is responsible for tidying his bedroom. He sometimes washes or wipes dishes and helps tidy up the house. He also does sundry other chores when asked. He buys all his own DS games. His 4 year old sister gets $5. She helps her brother with the recycling, loves cleaning - the bathroom basin, floor and dishes. She vacuums,wipes up and helps tidy as asked. She is required to help tidy her room. I think they need to be taught the concept of earning their money and saving regularly.

Cindy - posted on 08/02/2011

we decided not to do allowence and to teach th to do our part, that taking care of the house / yard is expected and we all have to do our part. We may not pay them, but they feel like they accomplish things and it gives us all more time to do fun things together, and it makes it easier to go to the movies or out for a special dinner.

Stephanie - posted on 07/26/2011

I don't give my kids (16 & 13) allowance. They have chores and don't get paid for them, they've always been told that we all need to help around the house. If they want money for movies or skating they can do extra chores. My 16 yr old has a job, pays his insurance and his own gas...this is NOT the Bank Of Mom. I think kids need to go above & beyond daily chores to get paid, and it's worked well for us.

Diana - posted on 07/23/2011

NO I never gave my daughter an allowance. I did not have it. She did things to earn it but she was not consistent. Earnings come from a week of work. Not did you do this or when are you going to wash the dishes or clean you room. If you have a child that is on point and does what you ask with out a reminder. I would take her to buy her an outfit or get her hair done. We are a family and in this together. No one pays Mom or Dad. Children have a place and an ATM is not it. Keep you money in you pocket. If they want something they will ask for it. If you think I am harsh that's fine give them what you think as long as it is consistent. You see children are smart and they will do things to get something and once they have it POOF now is this the type of child we want to raise. What we instill in them at home is what they become as an adult. As them and see what they say. You will be amazed.

Daysi - posted on 07/18/2011

I have a 7 year old daughter and a 4 year old son. I do not give an allowance for chores or anything that is expected of them. I give an allowance when they are exceeding my expectations. My daughter has always been a good student, but when she received the student of the quarter award at her elementary school she was definitely rewarded. Whenever she gets straight A's at school she is also rewarded. Things like that. Hope this helps. :o)

Anna - posted on 07/16/2011

I make my kids do chores to earn their money, they don't do the chore posted for the day, they don't get money added to their acct, so when they see something they really want at the store or elsewhere they have learned to work to earn to get what they wanted faster. No work, No pay.. like the real world. The plus side.. I have 4 kids and a very clean house with minimal effort from me.. :-)

Amy - posted on 07/15/2011

Our 9 year old can earn up to $10 a week. Keeping her room clean, emptying all the bathroom garbage cans, scooping the litter box and other odds and ends. She does not just get money. She has to earn it and if she wants to buy something expensive she has to save up to buy it with her own money.

Jojuan - posted on 07/14/2011

We do "Commissions" with our kids. This implies that they work to earn money. Each child has weekly responsibilities that are required to be done just to help the family and additional responsibilities to earn money. When the money is earned, they have 3 envelopes - giving, saving, spending...they are to take 10% for giving, and split the saving and spending equally. Now when we go shopping, they spend their $ rather than ours.

Lisa - posted on 07/13/2011

We do allowance for our 2 boys. They get one dollar per year of age each month, but we split it into 2 payments per month. For example, my 12-year-old gets $6 on the 1st and again on the 15th of each month. My 9-year-old gets $4.50 twice a month. BUT, they do have to earn it and it can be docked if we have to. It is great for teaching them how to save, keep up with their money in a wallet, and about giving to charities/church.

@Cortnie Reinhardt: $5 per chore? I hope you make a LOT of money. That kid will want to do lots of chores making that kind of cash! Actually, I think I'd like to take out your trash and wash your dishes!

Loni - posted on 07/12/2011

Nope not us. Because they work. LOL

Leah - posted on 07/10/2011

Hello, I do the same! Kids these days seem to expect things to be handed out to them on a plate!....... It doesn't happen in real life, as you know we all have to earn it! I think by teaching kids that things just happen sets them up for major disappointment when they get older! As we all know life is not that simple - unless parents intend to pay their kids way forever! I feel it is important to teach them realistic lessons! It may also help them to cope in trying situations better when they are faced with such problems as money! :0) Leah

Toni - posted on 07/10/2011

My six yr old gets his allowance every 2 weeks. He receives $20 if he does some of the following: sweep the sidewalk and steps, water plants, take out small trash, and feed the dogs. The chores vary from day to day. He has a list of what he does on certain days. If he doesn't do them he doesn't get paid.

Nazia - posted on 07/05/2011

i have tried every way possible, I have finally concluded that they will get allowance regardless. they can earn more by doing chores. If they want something they dont really need, then they can earn it and pay for it. Still have the issue of teaching children that they must chip in with little chores for the sake of family value. Families work together! The reason i concluded with this idea is because my son feels its his right to pocket money and secretly i think i agree. So am gonna try this mehod, hope it works.

Sandra - posted on 09/12/2009

Oh! Allowances is a difficult item for us. We live on a tight budget, so sometimes I don't have the money as promissed to I worked around it. I got him a state ID and I gave him one of my credit cards. He is very responsible as he doesn't spend without asking. ie, if he has done well in school then he can go to the movies with his friends otherwise no credit. I tell him that I can call and cancel the card immediately. It has solved many of our money issues. Plus I'm teaching him about managing credit. He spends it and I have to pay for it so it's not free money. He has become very consious and he asked me mom have you paid the card? can I use it? I need x or y I tell him you violate my trust and bye, bye card, and no money. It has worked for us as I usually don't have the cash to give him when he needs it or he may not be with me. I also believe that it empowers him. You need to find what works for your child as this works for us.

Leah - posted on 09/12/2009

Hi there, I agree with you totally!! I think it is very important that our kids learn that they earn money through working!! Starting off with little chores around the house!! That way they will realize it doesn't grow on trees and magically appear in their hand when they ask for it!! My son is eight and he does chores too get his pocket money!! He actually askes when it is time too do them, so he can get his money!! So hopefully he'll still have that same enthusiasm when he gets older!! Hope this helps!! Good Luck!! Leah

Anne - posted on 09/12/2009

My kids are (almost)14 and 16. They receive $20.00 each week. For this they are expected to keep up their grades, and do their chores. Each one is responsible for making sure their homework is done and double-checked, that their rooms are clean (which includes dusting and vacuming) and since they share a bathroom - that it is cleaned as well as a a team. They also have certain other chores to keep up with. My son empties the dishwasher, takes out the garbage and vacuumns the living room and dining room. My daughter uses the powder room as her bathroom in the mornings so she is repsonsible for the cleaning of that room and she is to dust the living room, dining room and family room. Their bedrooms must be maintained daily but, there is no timetable on the other chores - they can pick the day of the week to get it done but it must be done by Sunday. Homework and studies always come first.



My husband and I both work (opposite shifts) and the kids need to learn to be responsible young adults. Although my son wants to get a job he can't find one (like most of the Country) but, it is my feeling that kids already have jobs - they are students, and these days being a student isn't as easy as it used to be. As long as they work hard and keep their grades up and stay on track to graduate to go on to college and do whatever small chores at home they are asked I don't mind forking out the $20 per week to each of them.



These days families have to work as a team to survive. They understand that now.

Deanna - posted on 09/12/2009

I started to give my son responsibility right around 4yrs old without allowance, he is 6 now and he has learned to take the trash out and fold laundry, make his bed, and keep his bedroom floor clean. He hasn't asked about allowance yet, but when he does we will set a small weekly allowance for the extra things he does around the house. Yes, I do believe in allowance, it teaches your child that there are rewards that come with hard work.

Amber - posted on 09/10/2009

I don't give an allowance. My kids still have chores to do. But they get money when they go places and for their friends b-days and stuff. I did have to tell my son when he asked why he didn't get an allowance. I told him I would start paying him once a week for his chores but then he would have to save his money for going out and buying presents for his friends. Once I told him that he was perfectly fine not getting a weekly allowance.

Abby - posted on 09/10/2009

My girls are 8 and 9. Just recently they have been asking for money for school and other things. I will expect them to do their regular things around the house but I agree with one of the comments they can also do money chores once the regular things are done. I want to show them the responsiblities of money which will include saving and church. I think its important my kids to have this opportunity since they are growing up now.

Letrissa - posted on 09/10/2009

I give my son 10 every 2 weeks with money being tight I try to show him the value of a dollar he is really good at saving his money.

Juli - posted on 09/10/2009

Interesting topic...

First let me say that I don't think anyone should feel pressured to provide allowances for their kids just because other parents do.

We have a 19 year old college student(soph) and a 16 year old HS junior.

We do not pay allowances- mostly because we are doing well to make our own ends meet at this point. We don't pay for cell phones, or for car insurance - our 19 year old has her own car she paid for and insurance and pays for all her own expenses at this point- and our 16 year old buys some of his own clothes- a lot of them actually, from money he has earned.

I guess from my perspective, household chores are a part of family life. Nobody pays me to cook or do laundry, etc. As a family we are a team and we all pull together to keep things maintained in our home.

There have been times, (about 4 years ago) when we had more money and less time(busy work schedules) and one summer we paid our then 12 year old to do all the housekeeping- he did a great job! And we paid him for it because we could afford to and because what he was doing was far beyond "chores". He figured out how to get the main stuff done by 11 am and then it was on to video games! Time management in action! I think we paid him $20 for the week- which doesn't sound like much, but when you are 12 that is a lot of money.

Also, kids who are simply handed things (money, electronics, etc) may not always appreciate how hard it is to earn money.

And sometimes they learn to equate money with LOVE.

I'd rather mine equate love with time spent together and memories made than THINGS I had purchased for them that end up at Goodwill or the dump eventually.

"The two most important things you can give your children are

Roots and Wings, NOT Loot and Things!"



It's surprising how many young people have the entitlement attitude about money as well as greed and the general ingratitude for what they have.

We have teens at church who are installing $5,000 stereo's in trucks their parents bought them who plead poverty when it's time to go to a week of Church Summer Camp that costs them $100 instead of $50!

BUT I think that there are also young people out there who are responsible with money who work hard to earn it, save it, and are thankful for what they have been blessed with.



So I guess I'm not not a big believer in allowances... but that's just my opinion and experience...

Sara - posted on 09/10/2009

We do allowance in our house with our 10 year old daughter. She dusts the house once a week and cleans her bathroom only and then keeps her room clean. We do 5 dollars each week and then more if she takes on extra chores when she wants to earn more money.

Crystal - posted on 09/10/2009

My kids are older, they get allowance so they don't ask for money constantly. They have chores but the allowance is not contingent on the chores. There is no option to not do chores but I don't take away money. They get $15 bucks a week. I works great because I haven't had to dish out money in years. I think it is successful because they have learned to budget and save for the things they want. Xbox dues, new shoes, movie, dates etc all comes from thier allowance.

Shona - posted on 09/10/2009

I used to facilitate budgeting workshops for youth at a youth employment place I worked at a few years ago and found that a lot of the bank sites (amazingly) offer good tips on this subject. More recently, I found the following link though that may help out a bit.

http://hffo.cuna.org/12433/article/107/h...

My son just turned 6 and my daughter is 2 and I am hoping to start an allowance with my son, no sooner than next year as he has never asked. Keep your fingers crossed for me;)

Kristine - posted on 09/09/2009

Quoting Laurie:

I give my 11yr old son 20.00 a week. Unless he doesn't do what he is supposed to. OK, it is not much he has to do, because I tell him that school is his job, that comes first. He only has to sweep and keep bedrooms clean. That is hard to keep him going sometimes, so sometimes he doesn't get his money. I like him to have money in his pocket though, in case he needs something, like when I'm at work.

I too give my 11 year old $20.00 a week.  He helps me around the house and he is an all around respectful and good kiddo.  I get compliments everyday by the other parents in our apartment complex about how respectful and mild mannered my son is.  He makes me look good as a mother, I feel that is worth something. I like to know he has money in his pocket as well while I am at work.  He usually still has it when i get home but I like that he has it just in case.

Christina - posted on 09/09/2009

I have four daughters ages 8 to 15. We do not give them allowances. They help with chores because it is their responsibility as part of the family, not a method of earning money. We do give them money, $5 dollars here and there, when they would like to hang with their friends or we will pay for them to go see a movie. However, appropriate behavior and completion of chores is expected at all time. They understand that money is not easy to come by for parents. They also understand the importance of budgeting the household finances. More parents should be teaching their children the value of money.

Crystal - posted on 09/09/2009

I think it is great to teach children responsibility at an early age but it shouldn't be called allowance because they have to earn it. Check out Dave Ramsey's web site. He has a program to help teach youngster about money and he calls it "Commission". He has other great ideas! Talk about making life less stressful in many ways!

Tammy - posted on 09/09/2009

My son gets an allowance only when he does his chores. Each chore pays a certain amount of money for the week.

Verna - posted on 09/09/2009

my two girls i do give allowance because when i shop it cuts down on all the mom, mom, mom! and if they dont have thier money or spent it all they dont get it they have to wait till next trip my 14 year old has her own checking account at wells fargo with a debit card and everything. she does have to work for her money! please dont think it's just given. she has chores and special duties like helping around the yard and stuff money isn't free i had t earn it and so do they!

Faye - posted on 09/09/2009

My daughter gets an allowance if and only if she behaves, my sons not old enough yet.

Andrea - posted on 09/08/2009

I do the same for my children...if they help with work around the house I give them money. I think it helps to teach them about responsibility and that all things in life aren't just handed to them

Brenda - posted on 09/08/2009

Quoting Laura:

We give my daughter an allowance in order to begin to teach her how to manage her money. She's got her own savings account, in which we usually have her place at least half of her allowance. She can put some of the other half in her account or keep it for herself. We don't attach allowance to work at this time because we feel that she needs to understand that successful families must work together, each doing their part to help each other out. That being said, we do on occasion give her a little extra reward when she goes above and beyond her tasks.

 

I agree! I always tell my children that this family works as a team. I need them to help me so I can do other things for them. Its like a truck. It runs all smooth with 4 wheels but take one off and see how far you can go. Quite a bumpy ride.

Rachel - posted on 09/08/2009

I started paying my daughter $5 a week when she started kindergarten! She keeps the playroom and her bedroom clean and has to feed her cats everyday. She gets to decide when she cleans the rooms and how often as long as they r done by the time I get home on Fridays, which means usually by thursday night! She then saves her money and buys her own DS games or other things she wants. It has been a good way for her to understand that things aren't free and has helped her learn to save!

Schmikia - posted on 09/08/2009

My 10 year old has daily chores and school responsibilities that must be kept. In return she earns money to buy minutes on her pre-paid cell phone each month. If she's slacking then she won't be able to talk/text/communicate with her friends or use her phone. With my 4 year old it's a little different. He keeps his room clean, has to be a "good helper" with house chores, and get no demerits at school or daycare. In return he gets to choose a movie for our designated family night. In addition to that, he recieves $2 in quarters to place in his bank. Getting his "own" movie is precious to him, so if he hasn't been performing well he has to watch what everyone picked. It works well for us.

Michelle - posted on 09/08/2009

I somehow got two circle of moms accounts and had to deactivate one. So if you see me on here twice it is just temporary. LOL

Lauren - posted on 09/08/2009

I believe it good for our children to learn the meaning of the earning the all mighty $. We had to do it when we were kids. Too many kids today take things for granted and expect them. My son is 4 and he has chores and is rewarded with money. I will also get him his own pretend check book and bank bag. When he gets money it will go in the bag and once he's old enough I will teach him how to balance that check book. Anytime he wants to buy something he will have to give me a valid reason why he thinks he needs this paticular item. Then when we have agreed on the item he will right me a check and the cash will be given to him for his purchase. He will record it like we do in our check register. My parents didn't take the time to show us how to save money or budget. This is one thing my husband and I will teach our son early in life. To help avoid debt troubles later in life.

Lee - posted on 09/08/2009

I really like your posting on juggling everything and giving allowance. Thank you because my daughter is tomorrow 13 going on 30 so I am gonna use some of your tips for her. I am an older mom, not having a child until 34 and an animal behaviorist, those tricks worked all the way until now and still sometimes reverse psych will work but now I am just telling her this is the way it is. She is honor roll and has her high and college all thought through so she's pretty great but a bit too mature for her own good at times.

Thanks again.

Lee - posted on 09/08/2009

I started my daughter off at the age of 6 with a $6 a week allowance for picking up her room when asked. I continued to add $1 a week for each year and tasks such as taking care of her own animals. I stopped giving her an allowance at age 12 and during this year (she will be 13 tomorrow) and she started earning her own money through extra chores and helping me with my bird business. She now does quite a bit around the house and keeps her room pretty well maintained.

KAREN - posted on 09/07/2009

Both my boys have a chore board, and we reward them so much for each one they complete, at the end of the week we add up what they have earned, and they give 10% to tithe, 20% to savings and they are allowed to keep the rest for spending as they wish, I feel it is good to teach our children how to manage money these days as it is not taught anywhere else, and it does help give them an incentive to help out and to have good behavior!!

Christina - posted on 09/07/2009

i think all children should be rewarded for doing their chores & so we give our girls money when they help around the house. if they dont want to help then they dont get paid. they have to help all week not here & there. they understand they have to earn their money. my girls actually run & gather all the trashes & help me carry the laundry from the dryer to the bed to fold & put it away.

Terica - posted on 09/07/2009

Yes, I have four children and depending on how they did in school or if their chores are done by Friday will determine how much money they recieve. i.e. my 11yr old gets $10 bi=weekly, the 8, 7, and 4 yr.olds get $5, I think that's enough cause all they wanna buy is McDonalds or candy.

Beth - posted on 09/07/2009

My daughter is only 2 so I havent crossed this bridge myself yet, but i have two sisters one 12 and one 13, our father pays them for extra chores they do. Keeping their rooms clean and picking up after themselves are not including in the allowance chores. For every chore they do without bein asked they get a certain amount depending on the chore, then if they want something that is not nessecarily needed they have to buy it with their own money. It seems to be working well! I may try it with my daughter when she's old enough! However even though my daughter is only 2 she is already cleaning her own room and picking up her toys around the house before she goes to bed or if she wants to go somewhere during the day!!

Jenni - posted on 09/07/2009

My daughter who is 11 years old has been asking me for an allowance for a while now. I think it is a good concept but in a way I also feel like it is her responsibility to help with the house. I'm not the only one who made thr mess, why should I be the only one who cleans it? and why should I pay her for something she should already be doing? I buy her everything she needs and most of what she wants so I don't think she need money anyway. If she wants money for something on occation, I will give her an extra little job and pay her for it but I'm not going to obligate myself to a weekly amount.

Karen - posted on 09/07/2009

We started off just over one month ago with the 5 and 7 year old starting with $5 on Sunday, and the 3 year old $2 (although he can't count so it doesn't really matter if you make a mistake with his payment if you get my drift). They then get fined 25c for being rude, $1 for being silly at bed time, and 50c for not following an instruction (adapt it to your own children, answering back, etc.) Your children's personalities will determine payday in one weeks time. They also earn money for doing what they are told, helping, sharing, etc etc. in 25c, 50c and $1 lots. This has been working really well, especially since they have all seen something they wanted up at the shops and I explained how many pays until they would earn it. The bad behaviour isn't stamped out but it certainly reduces. This weekend they all had been saving for 5 weeks and it was finally time to go and buy their chosen toys. I emptied out their wallets and purses and they understand that they are back to zero and need to start all over again.
This week I have changed the system. They start on zero and have to work their way up to pay day thru jobs and good behaviour. They seem happy with this concept. It all depends on the age of your children, but it pays to let them see something they want. They soon learn the value of money!

Claudine - posted on 09/06/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Does anyone do allowances for their kids anymore?

I always made mine earn their money but I know many parents just give their kids money for the week every week. What are your thoughts?

I am of the same mind, kids aren't slave labor, but I think  that simple chores around the house, lrike keeping your room clean, taking out the trash are not reasons to earn a wage.  When my kids go above and beyond what's expected them, then a fiver or tener, could be the reward:o)

Hope - posted on 09/06/2009

my daughter is only 7 mths so she cant earn an allowance right now but when she gets older probably around 2-3yrs old she will have small chores like picking up her room and picking up her toys and she will get like a quarter everyday when she does what she is suppose to. i think it teaches kids responsibilty and them enjoying buying something with there own money that they earned

Theresa - posted on 09/06/2009

I absolutely believe in allowance. I am a single mom, working full time. My daughter is 8 and she gets $5 per week during the school year. She has to keep her room clean, help out with dishes and dinner throughout the week, take out trash and put away laundry. In addition to all of this, she loses a dollar for any bad notes that come home from school. It gets even worse because if the report card is not A's and B's (C's with effort - if it ever comes to that) or if we get into her disrespecting me (the back talk and disrespect) then the allowance goes away altogether. It is a bit tough and she would like to have money just for passing a grade like her cousins. She has an appreciation for the money and uses it wisely. I work hard to earn it, she has nice clothes and participates in activities that are costly.She saves up to buy things that she wants but does not need (dolls, trinkets, jewelry...). I feel it is a balance and it works so far.

Danyon - posted on 09/06/2009

my family uses a "token economy"...basically they have to do chores in order to earn tokens, they can then use those tokens for extra priviledges. My kids do not mind doing chores now if you can believe that!! Gotta love teenagers!

Elena - posted on 09/06/2009

I do I base it on his grade &/or progress in his academics, chores/helping done around the house, behavior during the week, and of course my cash flow for that pay period.

including not just giving him allowance, but teaching him the value of money, saving and spending wisely, for as young as he is he understands the basics pretty well.