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Yes, older children should earn their pocket money. Older children and teenagers need to learn how long they need to work for some of the luxuries and electronics they feel they are entitled to. Children need to be taught how to manage money. Responsible money management is a learned skill and children need to learn from their mistakes. Older children and teenagers should earn pocket money for i-tune downloads, video games, designer jeans and shoes, movies, and school dances. Parents should provide for the basic needs. Parents should pay for basic school supplies, a basic functional wardrobe, and school lunches.

All children should be required to complete some chores at home to keep the household running smoothly. Older children need to learn how to do dishes, launder clothes, and prepare simple meals. Parents may provide some nominal allowance to allow children some discretion with a small pool of cash. If the parents are economically able, they may pay a fee for completion of some extra chores around the home. This provides the incentive for stepping up to additional responsibility and to learn some basic handy man skills that can save money when they are adults maintaining their own home.

If the parents are not able to provide much of an allowance or to pay for extra household or maintenance chores, it is not necessary for older children to get an after school job to earn pocket money. They can earn pocket money by mowing neighbor's lawns in the summer and shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks in the winter. They can earn pocket money by baby sitting, walking dogs, or taking care of house plants and pets when owners are on vacation. These jobs do not require older children and teenagers to work every day, but they occur often enough to earn pocket money.

A popular way to earn pocket money requiring a commitment of about two hours per day is to get a paper route. A paper route teaches responsibility without requiring the older child to work late. Some high schools provide paid internships requiring a one to two hour daily time commitment.

Some teenagers become entrepreneurs and provide entertainment at children's parties. They can be jugglers, clowns, or magicians. Some teenagers make balloon animals or provide balloon bouquets. Older children and teenagers are full of energy and can lead party games relieving parents of some of the stress of throwing a preschool or elementary school birthday party.

Learn more about this author, Helena Whyte.
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