I give my kids (ages 11, 7 & 5) an age appropriate allowance each week. Some of it they must save, the rest is up to them what they do with it. My dilemma is that it irks me to see them spend their money on toys and junk they don't need. Any suggestions?
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 11 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.
I had the same problem with
I had the same problem with my kids, but I realized that as long as they are saving at least half, then they should be able to buy what they want with the rest, or they can save that as well. After all they are "working" for it, so they should be able to spend it on stuff they want.
Could you imagine depositing your paycheck and having your son or daughter tell you what you can spend your money on after you have worked fot it? To them our clothes and shoes and even bills are not important to them but that is where our money goes. Telling them they cannot buy a toy they want to buy with their money is like telling you cannot buy those shoes that are on sale. LOL
Or you can tell them they are saving all the weeks allowance out of the month except one and thats what they can spend.
Just a thought. But I have come to see things from my kids perspective on alot of things, and money being one of them. Good luck.
I use to give my son an
I use to give my son an allowance but stopped for this reason. I now give him things like a trip to the golf course, a new toy that has made it over the other rule we have about toys (my kids have to want a toy for at least a month and it has to be age appropriate and larger than my fist), and other priveledges like TV time. This works better. We keep a chart to show what chores have been done and his allowance ($5) a week and he saves up for the items. This saves a lot of "mom can we go to target, wal-mart so I can spend my $5?" and alot of useless things left in my home that become closet toys after 3 days.
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
How much of an allowance are
How much of an allowance are you giving to a 7 and 5 year old? I can't decide whether to give them an allowance in the form or cash or to use the other idea of a trip to the park, Special time with Mom or Dad or some other form of "reward". What are your thoughts?
Teri Nevarez - wife to Ray
Mom to Denise 7 & Ronnie 5
Proud Work at Home Mom
www.afunbiz4u.com
I've heard about 50 cents
I've heard about 50 cents per year of their age - in other words my 11 year old son gets $5 /week (ok, I rounded down) and my 7-year-old $3 and my 5-year-old gets $2. I guess when the kids get older they should be using their allowance on more useful things - like lunch money, helping out with friend's birthday gifts, etc. I do think allowance should be paid in cash, so they get used to the idea of how money & saving works. It sounds like the rewards you're thinking of are a great idea to encourage them to finish chores, or for good behavior, grades, etc.
I've heard it's better not to tie in the allowance with their chores - because the idea of allowance is to teach them about money. But I have to say I have threatened not to pay allowance when chores don't get done. (I know, bad mom).
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 11 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.
I think the reward system is
I think the reward system is a great idea. But if you go with the allowance, then you have to let your kids buy whatever they want after savings. Even if it's junk that breaks or sits on the shelf, that will teach them a lesson down the road to spend money more wisely.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.
When to start allowance?
When to start allowance? Mine are 4 1/2 and 6 1/2 (pre-school and 1st grade).
Neither have asked for an allowance....but I'm curious if it is something to start soon....
Do I pay the little one the same as the older one?
Most important to me however is making sure learn that as part of a family - we all share in the responsibility of our home and we all chip in with chores. Do they get that lesson if I'm paying them to help out???
Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.