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Money Moral Dilemma: Should we give our daughter the same allowance as our son?

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...
My husband and I gave our son an allowance each month, even when he had a part-time job, until he turned 18. Our daughter, who is 16, now has a part-time job that pays a lot more than our son's did. Should we give her a lower allowance?

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Comments

  • You should treat both your children the same.

    Next!
  • I'd give them both the same regardless of what they earn in a part time job. Otherwise she may cut a few hours at work and raise her pocket money back up.
  • London50
    London50 Posts: 1,850 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    " now has a part-time job that pays a lot more than our son's did."

    And cost of items are more than likely a lot more than his was
  • ska_lover
    ska_lover Posts: 3,773 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Or to put it another way, shall I penalise one child for achieving more than the other child?
    The opposite of what you know...is also true
  • Fireflyaway
    Fireflyaway Posts: 2,766 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Can't even believe this is a question! Of course you must treat them equally.
  • Depends on who your favourite child is.

    If it's the son, play the you earn lot more card. If it's the daughter who is your favourite then pay up and say you paid the same to your son
  • marich
    marich Posts: 125 Forumite
    Do you want to sow discord in the family ?


    Quite why are you asking the question ? This is about you - not your daughter . What is your problem ?


    Do you want to give her less - if so then why ? And quite what level of 'allowance' is she 'deserving of' if she now does earn more than your son once did ?



    This is a minefield you are in as soon as you stray from the marked path . Keep it simples...


    Unless , of course , this is the result of another Monday morning "What-is-our-dilemma-this-week ?" meeting!
    This is such a poor quality dilemma - does nobody give you a real one ever ?
  • it doesn't say the age difference between son and daughter but todays prices are far higher for everything.


    discuss it with them first and with each other and if everyone is happy then give her the same allowance



    UNLESS it's causing you financial difficulties?? is that why you're asking this question??


    If yes, explain situation and don't pay.
  • Stoke
    Stoke Posts: 3,182 Forumite
    Is this what MSE is coming too? Ridiculous hypotheticals that don't ever really happen? Surely all parents give their kids exactly the same regardless of their employer?
  • This sounds a little similar to people working part time receiving top-up benefits being discouraged from working extra hours by having their benefits cut pound for pound, making them wonder why they should bother to work when they can stay home and get more! Not a good idea, treat your children equally.
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