Pocket money and how much?

[passmyglassplease]

I have 2 dcs 9 and 11 years old.

Up until now I have not given either of them any pocket money. DD is now starting to become interested in buying clothes, DVDs, etc and I am thinking now is the time to start with pocket money.

But how much? and do they earn it by doing chores or are they just given it as a reward for being well behaved/working hard at school?

What do you do?

I remember my parents used to give me and my sister the equivalent of the child benefit payment for our pocket money. They explained that the amount was set by the prime minister and that every year during the Budget he would announce if we could have a raise!

Certainly got us interested in politics at an early age

We did have to do chores as well though (hoover/polish our rooms and change bed sheets every week) plus load/unload dishwasher and clear and set the table every night.

My DS is 7 years and has pocket money IF he behaves all week at school. This was started as in incentive as his behaviour had really deteriorated.

DS2 is only 3 years but tends to behave himself and so I will (when he starts to get some) structure his pocket money towards other things eg trying hard to learn his phonics etc.

I just feel that each child is an individual and so their pocket money can be used to encourage each of their weaker points.

I really need to start giving my children pocket money so they can learn about the value of money. I have no idea how much to give them and tbh can't really afford much.