Responsibilities/pocket money for 4 yr old

[LillyBugg]

My son is 4.5 and has started asking for specific toys and doesn't understand why I don't just buy them. I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce pocket money and I'm thinking about linking it to responsibilities at home. He does some things already, helping to tidy at the end of the day, he puts his rubbish in the bin, he gets his own shoes out. Small things, but getting there.
How much would be reasonable to reward? And would you do it per 'chore' or when he gets X number of stars? I'm not too sure where to start really and I'd love to know how others do it. Ideas for responsibilities would also be great!

We had star charts, when it was full they could choose a small toy or a book costing about £5 then. The stars worked out at about 3 weeks typically

We started giving dd pocket money around that age. It was enough to buy a magazine so about £3. We didn't link it to chores (as I just don't like to link rewards to chores myself) or anything just made it a weekly thing. It worked really well for dealing with random toy demands. She is now almost 7 and is really good at saving for bigger things and thinking carefully about what she spends her money on. It's been a learning process but I'm glad we did it with her.

@BiglyBadgers I understand what you're saying about not linking chores to rewards. So how did you get your children to do chores? And was pocket money given regardless?

We started giving pocket money at a later stage, but well after chores were established.
So the kids (now 9 and 7) will clear the table, clean their rooms, put dirty clothes away, clear up toys they have been playing with sort of thing.

Pocket money is separate. I havnt (yet!) removed it!!

The one thing they do get is a school dinner once a week if nothing is left at school the previous week (reading folder, PE kit, water bottle, sun hat - we arent in the uk and kids need a cap to play outside all year round).

Oh, and it's around £2 in local currency- a 10Ryial note.
They get the equivalent in local currency when we are in a different country- tho bank of Mum and Dad will exchange currencies.

Mine begged for chores. They do things that make my mornings easier. They make their beds and put pyjamas on bed. Open curtains, bring their cups to kitchen, switch their lamps off, dirty clothes in washing basket. They get £1 a week.

We don't really talk about chores but instead talk about playing your part in the family. We just expect her to do her bit because that is what you do when you are part of a group. We do have set tasks that she does so she always helps lay the table at meal time and puts her plate in the kitchen after eating. She puts the clothes away after I fold them. We tend to do tidying as a group and she is expected to join in when we have tidy time, so also helps with dusting, cleaning the bathroom or whatever else needs doing at the time.

People do what works for them and I don't think rewards are bad. I just worry that giving reward or payment for chores turns playing your part in the running of a household into an extra you deserve special credit for rather than just a thing you do because that's how it should be.

We are actually pretty strict about it and she does far more than many of the kids I know in other families.

It might be that this is one of those things were it depends on personalities and this approach works well with dd but might not work so well with a different kid. I only have one and so totally wouldnt claim to know it all.

Thanks all so far, lots to think about. Keep the ideas coming please!