By fergyscoop
on Jul 13, 2012  

This is the way I was brought up

By maineac
on Jul 13, 2012  

Unfortunately, too many Americans already don't think they need to work for the money they get, it's time to change that, and starting out young - by getting an allowance for chores like I did, teaches you to work for your living.

By girl17
on Jul 13, 2012  

Yes! Kids need to learn the value of a dollar. When my 5 yr old broke our garden hose for the 2nd time I made her pull her dollars out of her piggy bank to pay for it. she had to count the dollar bills (rather than just pulling out a $20) because it seemed like way more of an impact to her. She hasn't broken it since!!

By Tomalynne
on Jul 13, 2012  

I think that kids need to do chores and learn the value of work. I do not think allowance has anything to do with the chores that need to be done in a family. I am not sure that kids need an allowance at all. I grew up having to earn my money for myself, it was never given to me. And doing chores was just something that had to be done, not optional tasks I could get paid for. Kids need to learn how to work both at home and for money.

By heavenly41
on Jul 13, 2012  

There are reg. chores done in our house (cleaning room, etc) that are done free of charge and then there's chores for money.

By ppj927
on Jul 13, 2012  

yes for extra chores My kids do not get paid for regular chores they do as part of the family, but do get paid if they do chores that I need done but maybe can't get to like extra vacuuming or picking up after the baby.

By lolabrio
on Jul 13, 2012  

For regular chores. Nope... kids need to learn that every penny is earned by hard work. So giving allowance or pocket money is good. I give them $5 every moth if they were being good and didn't get in trouble.

By didama
on Jul 13, 2012  

Well, children to should have to do chores regardless of an allowance but, I definitely think that an allowance should be earned and not a given. If children expect to get money regardless of doing "chores" it will set up an unrealistic expectation that in life you get paid just for showing up! I'd hate to teach my kids that lesson.

By brat5270
on Jul 13, 2012  

this is age dependent. what worked best for our family was to give each child a certain amount of money a month, starting in about 7th grade. chores were expected to be done anyway. the amount of monthly money made them responsible for everything they needed and wanted. ie, lunch money, new clothes, haircuts etc. this taught them money management. they are now 29 and 33 and are terrific money managers!

By MadHatter
on Jul 14, 2012  

I want to teach my kids that money isn't easily handed to them when growing up. They must earn it. That was how my parents taught me and disciplined me while growing up. If you hand everything to a child on a silver platter, then they take advantage of that and use you like a personal ATM. Not happening in my house. Also, while growing up, each time I bought home a test of 95 or above, my mum would always give me a quarter as a reward and I would always save it up in my piggy bank. Sure I was motivated by money to get that grade, but then I pushed myself hard to study as well...