Do you give your kids an allowance?

My daughter, who is four doesn't get an allowance, although it is something that we would like to start. If she is having a good week though, I usually take her to the dollar store in town and let her pick out a new coloring book or puzzle.

My kids are 7 (almost 8), 6 1/2, 5 1/2 and 2 and they don't get an allowance. They do a lot of chores but they don't get paid for them because I don't get paid for doing that stuff. We do it because we are a family and we all have to help each other. I have been told I make my kids do too much for their age but I think they could do even more. They pretty much take care of themselves now and I'm proud that they are independent and self-sufficient at such a young age. I met so many kids in college that had never cooked for themselves or done their own laundry. It was sad. But, no, my kids don't get an allowance. They are too young to know what to do with the money anyway.

When my daughter was younger, she got paid $1 for each age. She got it for doing chores, if she didn't do them, she got $0! If she did half her chores, she got half the money. I got that off of Oprah one day and that is how we set the allowance for her. My daughter could spend it however she wanted to spend it, because it was money she earned. She mostly spent it on movies, hair stuff, candy, etc. You know all the girl stuff. lol I guess boys are different It would not hurt for you to insist that they put $1 or $2 in a jar to save so they can start a savings acct. You know the pay yourself rule. lol Good Luck ~Icy~

my children have not received a set allowance for several years... due to financial hardships it has been varied as to what they receive. our philosophy is that they are part of the family and as such may partake (somewhat) in the families money... so it is not a reward for doing chores which are expected of them... their duties. however, we also feel that if the child is not participating in the families chores and responsibilities - then he should not participate in the family money/privileges. I do pay them for extras that I ask them to do - from time to time... for instance, picking up dog ploop - a nasty job but fun for them when they count how many piles they retrieve.... 5 cents per plop.

I'm supposed to be giving my son $5 a week for his allowance and in return he is to complete his homework, feed the dog and take out the trash. I am a bit remiss in following through. I simply forget most of the time. Thanks for the reminder. I will go and give him his money before he leaves for school. As for how he spends it, thats up to him. After all hes earned it and once given his decision to make what to do with it.