pocket money, why does a nine year old need it?

[sixtwosix]

other than to help him learn the value of money that is.
we buy him all the stuff he needs. often discussing with him the merits of chepaer/designer stuff etc.
and i believe household chores should be done because the kids are also members of the family. not for pay.

so what exactly does a nine year old need pocket money for?

my ds saves up for playstation mags or something bigger like a dvd

treats he can choose. He can either spend it all in one week, or save it for 3 months and get something different.

Like, if he blows it on sweets, that's his problem, but if he saves it and gets a hotwheels set, well done him.

I feel that not only does it teach kids the value of money but it also allows them to be a little more independant. Yeah I understand this isn't always what you want for them at 9 years old BUT it's better to teach them now than to try once they are teenagers.

When I was getting pocket money, there was nothing I loved more than to go and buy the latest single or album and know that I didn't need mummy or daddy to give me money for it. I knew that money was mine...!!!

DS1 is nearly 9. For him pocket money means a bit of independence and freedom. There are things he is not permitted to buy with pocket money, but generally he is well able to find things that I would not personally choose to buy for him, but am content for him to buy himself. And through this little act of rebellion (which satisfies his rebellious streak) he learns that most of the stuff I don't approve of is pretty much worthless junk anyway; so he learns to spend/save his money more wisely.

(He doesn't get much btw, but we don't deal in cash it all goes in a book, so it's very easy for him to save up.)

Independence and choice, and being able to make their own decisions that parents have no input into.

and improving their mental arithmetic.