Am I Too Hard on DD ?

Red_Fraggle_3

In the cold light of day - think I was too hard on her she does do well with her money - she just likes her shopping like my mum and ex-husband.

As long as she is like my mum who has never been in debt I will be happy - she knows how to save think I was very grumpy yesterday. Its her money from her dad so not for me to say how it is spent - she does contibute to presents for her friends and me and her dad. I do expect her to contribute for little things for her bedroom over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you all for your comments

foreign_correspondent

£600 quid a year is a lot of disposable income for a 12 year old!!
I would try and get her into the habit of banking some of that, otherwise she will have a shock when she gets into the real world... many young working adults do not have that much cash to spend on non essentials!!

snowmaid

As soon as she is old enough, let her do a paper round, that is if you are able to accompany her. My son did a paper round and now works at McDonalds when he isn't at college. He has been to Australia to visit a friend twice now, paid for out of his own money. I have tried to instill the same values into my daughter but oh dear, money is water through her hands! She worked in coffee shops etc but somehow her money just doesn't last :rolleyes:

You can only do your best. But it is important for her to get into the habit of saving, can only do her good. Good luck!

dianadors

I have 2 kids 11 and 14. They get no where near that amount. infact I dont get that much!!! My hubby and I believe that they really need to learn the value of money. Money burns a hole in my sons pocket if he has it and will buy things he doesnt need, but my daughter is more sensible and will eek it out. Some of her friends have loads of cash to flash, and she considers that they waste it. I love the way she doesnt feel the need to "keep up" with them. Perhaps you could get her to save at least a 3rd.

nats3006

cor blimey at that age i used to get £1 a week and make do with what i had the odd 10 pence for a sweets mix LOL i mean my parents used to buy me clothes but never had the option of buying my own!!
x

Psykicpup

Red_Fraggle wrote: »

In the cold light of day - think I was too hard on her she does do well with her money - she just likes her shopping like my mum and ex-husband.

As long as she is like my mum who has never been in debt I will be happy - she knows how to save think I was very grumpy yesterday. Its her money from her dad so not for me to say how it is spent - she does contibute to presents for her friends and me and her dad. I do expect her to contribute for little things for her bedroom over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you all for your comments

I know what you mean! after struggling so hard its almost as much as you can take to see them spend thier own money- just think what YOU would do with that much cash & no bills :rotfl:
& I'm sorry but i disagree with above poster who wouldnt let her child know about bills - I would let a 12yr old see the bills & let her see me put money aside so she learns how to budget (without scaring her with the overdue ones:eek: )

iglimpse

Personally I feel your ex is being irresponsible giving the money to her. In an ideal world, he should give it to you and then you use it for her things, giving her some of it for herself. Of course she probably would not contemplate that now

How much is he going to give her when she is 16 when the bigger social life expenses start?

Kimberley

Your daughter should feel lucky. I insist my kids earn their pocket money and i got the two older ones a free paper round each for after school. They are happy and can't wait to get their wage packets and not a penny of their pocket money comes from me. If your on a budget then you can't give them what they want it's as simple as that.

nadnad

Psykicpup wrote: »

I
& I'm sorry but i disagree with above poster who wouldnt let her child know about bills - I would let a 12yr old see the bills & let her see me put money aside so she learns how to budget (without scaring her with the overdue ones:eek: )

thats not what I meant - I don't mean for people to not explain to their kids about bills and income and outgoings, but I personally think that an 11 or 12 year old should not have to worry about money - ie shortage of it - its fair enough to tell a child that they arent getting such and such because its too expensive and you cant afford it, but its a whole different matter when a child is worrying about possibly being kicked out their house, or worrying because there isnt enough money to pay the bills - those worries are for adults and adults only. I think children grow up fast enough and have enough to worry about. After all many adults can't cope with the realities of financial shortcomings so why ask any child to share in that?

sonee2405

Sometimes learning the hard way is best though-you can't value money unless you earn it and you realise how difficult life can be for yourself and others if you don't spend it sensibly and save it just in case.Children should be told about bills and expense and the benefits of saving and spending to maketheir lives easier and better in future.You can give children the best of everything for ages and just one occasion my crop up when you can't afford or aren't able to afford something for them-kids forget and disregard everything easily and they will forget the goodtimes and the previous expense and instead remember the one-off occasion when they had to go without something and that is much harder to understand for children and even worse for a parent to see.