Family chores, pocket money and teaching kids about money and responsibilities

Georgiegirl256

maman wrote: »

Oh I well remember the NatWest pigs!


[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn<img src=http://static.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_smilies/angel-smiley-002.gif border=0 alt= title=You are wonderful smilieid=16 class=inlineimg>Nd9GcRHGPfdrWENKo00F5ls7nCEarko_gMqMY1O33af9Loi_aguzMEvrg[/IMG]

They're the only ones I never had. As I got older, I was really disappointed, as they're really collectible now. I loved the concept behind it to encourage saving (you got a different pig for certain amounts of money I think?), I had the Abbey National house and the Halifax Globe (still got them I think!) to which I lost the key to.

BitterAndTwisted

I don't agree with linking pocket-money to chores. You then open up the possibility that the chores are optional and a child could choose not to do them and sacrifice their sweets and whatnot when it pleases them. That's not what living together in harmony and sharing responsibilities means. In my opinion, even five year olds can be asked to a few simple jobs without holding their hands out first. Living in a family is not piece-work!

Lara44

My pocket money was not linked to chores per se (do X and get X) - they were expected to be done regardless. However taking away my pocket money was a punishment if I didn't do them (along with a flea in the ear). I had daily chores at your kids' age such as setting the table, clearing over and washing up, and then weekly chores on top such as cleaning the bathroom and ironing plus irregulars such as helping get the house ready for visitors at Christmas. I hated it at the time and felt very put upon but see now it was the best possible thing.

Kayalana99

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

They're the only ones I never had. As I got older, I was really disappointed, as they're really collectible now. I loved the concept behind it to encourage saving (you got a different pig for certain amounts of money I think?), I had the Abbey National house and the Halifax Globe (still got them I think!) to which I lost the key to.

I might be wrong and it would of been the 90's but I'm sure Halifax were the ones that gave me a yellow house with a red roof money box.

gunsandbanjos

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

They're the only ones I never had. As I got older, I was really disappointed, as they're really collectible now. I loved the concept behind it to encourage saving (you got a different pig for certain amounts of money I think?), I had the Abbey National house and the Halifax Globe (still got them I think!) to which I lost the key to.

I had the bank of scotland squirrel, lost him though:(

Mojisola

Person_one wrote: »

Money for chores also suggests that its ok for them not to bother with the chores as long as they are ok with not getting the money as a result!

I've got friends who set up a complicated "chores for pocket money" system which extended into "more chores for being taxied around to friends" and suchlike as they got older.

They ran into just the problem you describe -
Parent - You haven't done x job.
Teenager - Gran gave me some money so I don't need to do chores this week/Not going to see my friends this week so don't need to any lifts/I'd rather play xbox/watch TV/use the computer than earn any money today.

Georgiegirl256

Kayalana99 wrote: »

I might be wrong and it would of been the 90's but I'm sure Halifax were the ones that gave me a yellow house with a red roof money box.

Yes, actually, I think you are right. As I wrote it I didn't think I was correct, but now I'm not sure what the globe is?!

Georgiegirl256

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

I had the bank of scotland squirrel, lost him though:(

Aww I've never heard of that one, will have to google!

rachiibell

I don't think pocket money should be linked to chores as these always need to be done. It could be linked with general behaviour though. You could also offer extra money for one off tasks that don't need to be done too regularly eg washing the car, weeding the garden

balletshoes

maman wrote: »

My children never had pocket money linked to chores. They were expected to help around the home though as were 'other family members' even my DH!:rotfl:Mainly these were linked to looking after their own rooms and belongings with some bits to do with family meals. What they did got more sophisticated as they got older. So from laying/clearing the table to some prepping/cooking and when my DD1 passed her test she loved doing the weekly shop so she could use my car!


To be honest, they never really had pocket money when they were Primary age just money 'as and when' or given to them as gifts. When they were about 12/13 we started them on proper budgeting. We added together most of the things we spent on them (school meals, hairdresser, swimming, out of school clothes, cinema etc) and gave it to them as a monthly allowance. They coped really well.

I agree with this way of doing things, its what I did too, no pocket money at all, I still expected DD to help around the house, clean her room etc.
Now she is nearly 13 and she's just gone on to a monthly allowance, to cover everything she wants to do/buy/save up for in the month (ie no more handouts from mum and dad). Its up to her how she uses it.