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Teaching your child RESPONSIBILITYJun 22 '01 (Updated Jun 30 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Allowance may help your child learn about money and responsibility, but you need to do what works for you and your child.
Should children be given allowances? Plain and simple . . . YES! At what age, how much, and what for? Here's where it gets tricky . . . ~ Age ~ At what age you should offer your child an allowance depends on when the child starts to understand the concept of money. When your child wants everyone's spare change to put into his/her piggy bank, or wants money to buy a special toy at the store, then maybe it's time to introduce allowance to him or her. I feel every child should have responsibilities that do not get rewarded with money, such as making their bed or putting their toys away. But if a child is willing to do extra's, that are not expected of them on a daily basis, such as helping mom fold laundry or helping dad take out the trash, then he or she should be rewarded with an allowance. Parents need to decide what is expected and what is considered "extra". I also feel it is very important to start teaching children about money at a very young age. Introducing an allowance teaches your child that there are responsibilities that get rewarded, and some that don't. Just like real life. The earlier you start to teach your child about money, the better the chance of them being responsible with it. ~ How Much Allowance? ~ How much allowance you give your child also depends on the parents. Some families may only be able to afford a dollar a week, some may be able to offer $20. Once again, this is a decision for the parents. Just because little Jane gets $5.00 a week for feeding her pets doesn't mean little Billy will get that much for mowing grass, taking out trash and feeding his pets. Like I said earlier, parents need to decide what is expected and what is considered "extra". On the other hand, I do not feel it is teaching your child responsibility if you are giving out $20 a week for chores your child should do anyway, such as brushing your teeth, taking a bath, making your bed. There needs to be a distinct line between responsibilities rewarded without money and ones with. ~ Why Should I give my child an ALLOWANCE? ~ I honestly feel children should have the "option" to receive allowance. By "option" I mean that it should be offered, but that doesn't mean it will be given. If your child does their required chores that are expected of them without being rewarded for it, then anything "extra" on top of that should be rewarded. And if they don’t do what is required of them, the “option” of being rewarded can be taken away. By giving your child the "option" to do more than what is expected of them, and rewarding them for doing so, you may be teaching your child another lesson. This could lead to teaching your child that when they go out of their way to help out, there is a reward. Later on in life, the reward could be friendships, love, or just the feeling of self worth that they made a difference. Also, after your child understands that things they may want from the store, you can start teaching them about saving their OWN money to buy the things they want. ~ Parent's know best ~ Whether you decide to give your child allowance or not, it's still YOUR decision. I know there are many ways to go about teaching your child about money, responsibilities and other lessons in life. If you choose not to give your child allowance, it doesn't make you a bad parent. Remember, you are the parent, and you should know what is best for your child. Every child is an individual, so what works for some may not work for others. Do what works for you and your child.  |
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