The Beginner’s Guide to Allowances
Amalah is currently on maternity leave. In her absence, however, she’s just as tethered to the computer as ever, and will be using this space to ask you — our intrepid Advice Smackdown Commenter Crew — questions. What’s been baffling her, as a parent, you may wonder? Why, she’s so glad you asked!
Dear Internet-Wan Kenobi,
So. Chores. Allowances! What do you guys do? I am thinking it is time to start the whole allowance thing around these parts — Noah is five and a half, starting kindergarten this fall, already regularly doing some very basic chores (albeit with a LOT of reminders), and starting to generally lust after specific, pricey toys at the store. (LEGO sets. Always, always with the LEGO sets.)
Currently, we have a sticker chart that includes a couple chore-like duties (letting the dog outside, making your bed, clearing the table) along with more general behavior-type things (no tantrums, first-time listening, etc.). The stickers are, for now, the only real incentive, though we do count the stickers at the end of the week and if he hits a certain number there is an extra reward, like a small toy or seeing a movie or going out for ice cream. I sense he might be outgrowing this, and that it’s time for him to really understand just how much ACTUAL MONEY even that small toy costs. And that he’s ready to have some agency and actual ability to save up for that precious, precious LEGO set he wants so badly.
So…I’m curious. How much of an allowance do you think is appropriate for a five-and-a-half-year-old? Is there a nice magic amount that hits the sweet spot between “yes, you actually have to SAVE for awhile” and “it will take the poor child 300 years to save up for what he wants because holy CRAP, these toys are expensive”? I remember starting off with just a couple quarters a week as a child, but then again, the objects of my desire were $5 My Little Ponies, not LEGO sets that start at $15 and go well over a hundred.
And even more important, how much responsibility should come with that amount? I would like to add setting the table or something similar to his chore list, and would also like it VERY VERY MUCH if he would actually *do* the stuff we’re already asking of him *without* the daily reminders. (We already say that if a tantrum or whining accompanies the chore, like throwing a fit the first time he’s asked to clear up his toys before bed, he forfeits the sticker.)
Any and all insight would be muchly appreciated. By me and my LEGO-lusting kid.
Amalah
