Answer Back: Children’s views on pocket money
Chloe Sheppard, 15, Birmingham
Pocket money gives a child a sense of independence. If a kid has her own money, she feels more secure and happy. Personally I don't get pocket money anymore, but when I did I felt better about myself because I didn't have to keep asking my parents for money all the time. Kids should get pocket money and it should be up to their parents how much they get. Parents should always know what they are spending it on.
| We are not asking for a lot, only about 10 a week to do basic activities. |
Derry Robert, 14, Plymouth
Children should help their parents out as much as they can to earn a reasonable amount of pocket money. Then children my age would be able to do more things with our friends, like going to the cinema or even just to the swimming pool. We are not asking for a lot, only about 10 a week to do basic activities.
Daniel McCrisken, 11, Belfast
Children should have pocket money at the end of the week and should be free to spend it in any way they choose. Things like bus fares shouldn't have to be paid for with pocket money and it should be earned, not just expected. Helping around the house is a good way to earn money. Some children spend all their money at once but I like to save it up and buy something special. Children my age should get about 2 a week.
Siobhan Quinn, 12, Belfast
You need packet money for going out or for buying birthday presents. I think that 2.50 is the right amount for someone of my age. More money is too much of a temptation. Children might want to spend their money on cigarettes or alcohol.
Maija Marsh, 11, London
It is important that children have some money to learn about financial affairs like saving and budgeting. All my child benefit is sent straight to a building society account, so it is a nest-egg for when I am mature enough to invest it, or for when I go to university. I get lunch money plus 2 a week. From that I still eat lunch and manage to save plenty of cash.
Cindy Crome, 11, London
I think that children should get 2 each week, and if they do something generous like the washing up, they should get a bonus. How much you get depends on your parents and what mood they are in, but as long as you get some pocket money you will be fine.
Jodi Pearce, 10, Plymouth
Children should have pocket money because sometimes their parents say "buy it with your own money". But how are they going to get it? Paper rounds are too dangerous. Sometimes parents think that their children will spend it all on sweets, but most kids have better things to buy. I have to work around the house for my money. I think all children should do the same.
About answer back
answer back is a weekly column by Children's Express members, published in the Parents' pages of The Times.
