by Kat Musselwhite

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 07, 2009

Family Values: Shoulder Older Children Earn Their Pocket Money?

I definitely think that older children should earn their pocket money. Whilst we shouldn't be forcing children to grow up too soon, I do think that it is increasingly important (especially since we are in the middle of the worst recession since the eighties) that children learn and understand the value of money. Children should not be allowed to expect money whenever they need, or more importantly want it, but that they should have to earn it, in order to truly appreciate that money doesn't not, as many may think "grow on trees".

If we give children pocket money every single week, even when they haven't earned it, what is this teaching them? Apart from a lack of respect for themselves and their parents, it teaches them that money is not associated with hard work, which is completely wrong. Children need to learn that hard work reaps many rewards, and laziness should not be encouraged.

I think that it is increasinly important to ween kids out of this over-growing culture of want, want, want even when you haven't got the real means to have it, as this has potentially been one of the largest causes (only behind the greedy bankers) in the current financial situation. Children should not be taught to rely on other people, but encouraged to earn things for themselves, as the rewards are far more self-gratifying.

Forcing kids to earn their money, through part time jobs isn't just about teaching the value of money; it's about self-respect, taking responsibility for their own actions, and hopefully encouraging them to work with others as a team. Part time jobs can help shy kids gain confidence, it can build peer groups, builds character and gives them a valuable insight into the world of work. It also helps teach a teenager how to look after your money, and hopefully to spend it wisely. At this age, it allows kids to be frivolous with their money at a period in their lives when it doesn't matter too much, therefore teaching them in preparation for later life, when being frivolous is less of an option, about being a little more careful.

Encouraging children to help around the house in order to earn their pocket money, is a good way of teaching kids to take pride in their home and personal space, it teaches them the importance of keeping areas tidy, and again, taking responsibilty for their action.

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