So if we are to be honest here, the idea of giving kids allowance can feel a bit unnecessary at first, Like… you are already feeding them, paying school fees, handling basically everything so why add extra money on top? but when you really think about it, it is not just about giving money, it is about what that money teaches.
Personally, I would not start giving allowance too early, not when they are still very young, At that stage, everything they need is already being provided by me as a parent , food, clothes, school things, even small treats here and there, so introducing money too early might not really teach them much, instead it might just make them feel entitled.
But from like 16 years old, I feel it starts to make more sense, it is at that age, they begin to grow into themselves more, they start having personal tastes, personal wants, and even a bit of independence, maybe they want to buy something small for themselves, hang out with friends, or just not have to ask for every single thing, that is where allowance comes in, and honestly, I think it can be a very good thing if done well.
For me, giving allowance at that age is not just about giving money, it is about teaching responsibility.
Because now, instead of them always saying “Dad I need this” or “Mum I want that,” they have something small they can manage, If they spend it finish in one week, they will learn the hard way that money doesn’t grow anywhere, if they save it, they will understand the value of patience, those are lessons you can’t really teach by just talking, they have to experience it.
But I also don’t believe in just giving money for nothing.
There has to be some kind of structure, it does not have to be anything serious, but at least they should understand that money is earned, not just given freely, maybe helping around the house, doing certain responsibilities, or even just showing consistency in school and behavior, not like punishment or pressure, but just a way to connect effort with reward.
At the same time, I wouldn’t overdo it, the allowance should not be so much that they become too comfortable or start feeling like they don’t need guidance anymore, It should just be enough for small personal things, not enough to replace parental care, because at the end of the day, they are still kids living under my roof, and I am still responsible for their major needs.
Another thing is communication....
I would always talk to them about money how to spend, how to save, and even how to avoid unnecessary pressure from friends, because let’s be honest, at that age, a lot of spending is influenced by my friend has this or everybody is doing this, so If you don’t guide them, allowance can easily turn into waste.
So for me, it is not about whether giving allowance is right or wrong, it is about how and when you do it.
Giving allowance too early might not make sense, but giving it at the right age, like from 16, can actually prepare them for real life, It helps them understand money, responsibility, and independence in a controlled way before they step out into the real world,so yeah, I am definitely not against it, I just believe it should come at the right time, with the right mindset, and with proper guidance, that way, it becomes a lesson, not just free money.