Pocket Money

By 12 years old, kids should have some kind of work ethic. If by 12 they still have the attitude that they will only do chores for money and not out of respect and kindness, then you have pretty much failed as a parent on that aspect.

Comms69 wrote: »

Personally I don't work for free, I don't expect my kids to either.

Really? Do you pay yourself to do your own ironing and washing up then?

Terrible example.

Although I don't think this actually encourages him to read, as he loves books anyway, I give my 6 year son 50p each time he reads (we try and read a few pages each day)

We have 2 daughters (6&8), and the younger one gets £2 a week and the older one £3 a week. They can spend it as they see fit, but so far they have mostly saved it. Interestingly since they get pocket money they have decided that certain things they previously asked for are now just too expensive to waste their money on, like trading cards, small collectible figures, nom nom's etc. They value things very differently now. So that has certainly been a win in my opinion.

In exchange for the pocket money they have to do their homework on time, clean their rooms, set the dinner table and fill and empty the dish washer.

Comms69 wrote: »

Personally I don't work for free, I don't expect my kids to either.

Its not about working for free, it's about being a contributing member of the household in which they are part of. No one pays me to do the ironing, hoover, scrub the toilet etc.

AndyBSG wrote: »

Just out of interest, what age do parents start giving kids pocket money?

My two are both too young at the moment to even understand the concept of money and I have no idea when to expect them to be wanting their own money!

I started getting pocket money at the age of 5 when I started school. Back then I could either afford a packet of stickers or some sweets. My dad would take me each week to the newsagent and let me choose which I wanted, on occasion he would buy me the item I couldn't afford (with a 'shhhh' don't tell mum) but that was always a treat and I never asked / expected it.