by Lisa Mazurek

Created on: March 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 02, 2011

Yes, I believe older children should start earning pocket money. Earning money can give you confidence and build self esteem. It is a great way to teach a teenager the value of a dollar. It teaches them responsibility and how hard parents have to work.

I'm sorry but money doesn't grow on trees and as long as it doesn't interfere with school or other school activities than why not?  Children need to learn responsibility at an early age because it will be so much easier when they become adults.  It doesn't matter if the family is lower, middle, or upper class. Every older child needs to learn that working is the way to make money.  I admit my kids are the same way. I try to explain to them the value of a dollar but it goes in one ear and out the other. Yes, I want to give them everything, but what is that teaching them?

Our children want things like video games, designer clothes and $100.00 sneakers. Well, I believe that certain items they could purchase themselves. They will appreciate and care for those items more too. Believe me your kids will thank you later.

My boys know that education is first and I want them to do their best in school. They know that a high school diploma will not get them a good paying job. Right now there are hundreds of people with degrees that can't find work. Now, think about the people with no degree. Working a part-time job delivering newspapers or babysitting can at least show them what it is like to earn their own money.

I'm sure we all did our fair share of working for the things we want. You don't need to be an adult to work. There is plenty of jobs out there for kids like raking leaves, cutting grass, babysitting, working at Six flags or tutoring other kids. Let them see what it is like to work and get a paycheck. It will prepare them for their future.

Many children think they don't need an education but after working for peanuts and seeing that peanuts don't go very far,  It may give them a new perspective on education. A perfect example is my oldest son, he says I don't need school. He also said he will work at Six flags and that will be enough for him to live on. I told him working at Six flags would be a great summer job but do you want to make it a career. Will it be enough to pay your rent, utilities or buy the designer clothes. What about a car and gas, maintenance and insurance for that car. You need to eat.  All this takes money. Well, he is 17 years old and hasn't started working. However, he is looking.

My other son is now 15 and he wants to work but he is too young. Believe it or not my youngest son actually motivated my older son into raking leaves and shoveling snow to earn extra money. It also makes them a little more independent because they don't need to ask mom or dad for ten dollars.  Now if I could only get them to do work around the house. My boys are young and just like their friends they play video games, football and all the other things boys do. But I still feel that it is important to prepare them for their future. Starting early is the best way for them to begin learning about responsibility and the need for an education. You never know working may just give them ideas on what type of a career they want.

Working can teach them how to save money and spend it wisely. Children need to feel the accomplishment of a job well done. Let them be proud of themselves. It builds character. It certainly won't hurt. 

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