Buying games pack

[hollytrees25]

Hi please help: what would be a reasonable amount for primary school boys to spend on games weekly?

I have two DS, games had been a life saver during lockdown, allowing us parents to work during the day; however as school started they've been comparing notes with their friends, asking to get new games and buys 'games packs' to get them to the 237th level...

It used to be 2,3 pounds, 5at most, and we used to allow it once a week for each DS; now it's like 20 pounds a pop and the nagging...

They wanted to use their birthday/ Christmas money, I am beginning to worry that being both under 10 they don't fully appreciate the value of money. WWYD please?

I would find this hard too. I think to teach them the value of money you have to let them irresponsibly blow what they have, and feel the natural consequences themselves when they later have nothing left for something else. But watching them do that is painful when you can foresee the waste and future disappointment. Just be careful not to be bankrolling anything they could/should have used that money for.

I would be talking through the consequences first, however. How much Xmas/birthday money do they have saved up? Is there anything else they want or are saving for that you can equate the money to? I often convert stuff into 'weeks pocket money' eg "That piece of plastic tat toy will cost you 5 months of pocket money. Is it worth all that saving?". My DCs have money in money boxes that is theirs to spend/save as they wish (this will eventually move to one of those cards you can load), and money in the bank. The bank money is not to be touched, so that limits the spending mistakes.

Ultimately though, you have to let them make the mistake IMO but also accept that perhaps it really is something they want, and presents good value to them. Do they already get pocket money? Longer term it would be better to give them some that includes the £2‐5 you have been paying each week and letting them budget.

I don't know how old your son's are but with my 6 year old he has a go Henry card and gets a weekly allowance (it transfers over on a Sunday morning). He can spend it however he wishes. If he wants to spend £5 on pointless gems on a pointless game that's his choice but then there's nothing more if he runs out. He's started saving for a camera and he's really invested in saving now (for the time being) and he just checked and he has £57 saved .

Thank you both for sharing and great tips and advice!

During the day we talked through and decided on a £5 weekly cap. Though DS2, 8year-old, immediately overdrafted and bought a 5.99 pack , on the condition that there will be £4 for him next week.

my 13 year old gets a fortune in pocket money from family members every week so he tends to spend £20 a week on game cards. i wouldn’t let him spend over £20 though and wouldn’t let him spend birthday money on it. my 7 year old asks sometimes but rarely and only ever has £5. he’d rather spend his money on fortnite figures and sweets!

Thanks good reference to knowC, and what lucky boys