Is it a good idea to give children pocket money for chores?

1. 69

   samnashyposted 12 years ago

   Is it a good idea to give children pocket money for chores?
   
   Is it a good idea to give children pocket money for chores or should we encourage them to undertake them anyway?

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2. 60

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I think that kids need to learn that a certain amount of housework is required to maintain the family home, taking care of their room, their laundry etc.
   
   But for special projects it is a nice way for them to earn a little money and have a little independence.  Say, washing down the driveway (they love that one and not a dry child anywhere after that) or windows or anything that is age appropriate.
   
   With our kids, we would say, you could clean out the linen closet if you want to earn a few dollars--or some job along those lines.
   
   Note-I always thought it was fun to shop with the kids when they had their own money. They became very frugal. My daughter was about 8 and asked me if I would buy her something, can't recall what it was.  I told her, "you can buy it, you have money."
   
   Her response, "No, I don't want to pay $5 for that." We both learn lessons from things like that I guess.

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   1. 69

      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, good tips.  You obviously have some smart kids!

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3. 60

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   It is a good idea for them to earn their pocket money.  It is not a good idea to bribe them.  Give them set tasks per week and if they have done their job by the end of the week, pay them.

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   1. 69

      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I think that is probably a good idea, I want my kids to have an appreciation for money.

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4. 61

   jenniferlynn78posted 12 years ago

   No it's not fine!  I used to get paid an allowance every week  It was so very under the table in pay but I had no choice about it, it was already decided for me by my father.  However, one day he said, " Jennifer, you live here too and we should not have to pay you for doing chores but she should do chores free because you live here too and want to help keeo our home clean!"  He was right why pay if you reside there and the essence of real truth...it's human nature to clean/keep where we live as well as oueselves!

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   1. 69

      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I did loads of household chores as a youngster whilst my friends did less and got either allowances or pocket money.  I was very envious as a youngster.  As far as I can see none of us have turned out either better or worse.

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5. 51

   Giddy Geezerposted 12 years ago

   I think it is a good idea to let them earn money by doing some extra chores. Money earned is more carefully spent. My children are not nearly as frivolous about spending when it is money they have worked hard for. It also teaches them to plan and save for an item they want. They take much better care of items they have saved up their own money for. There is also a sense of pride in being able to say "I bought it with my own money!"

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   1. 69

      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree

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