[cicy33]

We have four small ones at home and in an effort to promote harmony we pay each child $2 per week allowance. They only get this if they behave, keep their rooms clean, and help out around the house when asked without whining! Children need some money to understand how to use it. For ex. the other day my youngest had a dollar left after going to a restaurant with us and we gave each of the kids some money to play the video game. He saved his. he wanted a video. Now, as we all know videos cost more than $1 that are any good. We went to walmart and found the $1 videos and he discovered that they sucked! But we did not give in and buy a more expensive video. He bought disgusting ugly teeth. But that is okay it was his money to use. They were .88 and with tax pretty much a $1. So he learned that mom and dad are not going to let him have a more expensive one just becuase. He saves his allowance usually for several weeks so that he can buy a video he likes. An allowance teaches a child how to manage money. I feel that a modest amount based on age and activities is a good idea. I mean if your child does not clean their room or whatever and then later in the week you still gave them $5 to go to the movies with their friends you still gave them money even if it wasn't an allowance.