How much allowance should children receive? The "one rule" more important than the amount - A smart way for parents to give their children allowance

"My child is starting to want an allowance... Should I give it for doing chores? Or separately?"

While an allowance might seem like a small household matter, it is actually a significant switch that shapes "money values." The British newspaper, The Independent, with comments from consumer finance expert Vix Leyton (thinkmoney) and CEO of the parenting program "Triple P" UK & Ireland, Matt Buttery, explains that "an allowance is a powerful tool for financial education, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer." The Independent

Is an allowance necessary in the first place? — Deciding the purpose before "doing or not doing"

The article repeatedly points out that an allowance should not just end as "the act of giving money." The aim is to instill the sense that

• money is not infinite (it decreases when spent)

• choices have consequences (you can't buy everything you want)

• planning allows you to achieve goals (you can buy if you save)
  in a tangible way in daily life. Missing this point turns parents into "ATMs that dispense money whenever needed," and children learn that "money comes when asked." The Independent

When to start? — The "moment of understanding" is the starting line

The article introduces that some families start from ages 4 to 5. The key is not the age itself but whether the child can grasp the cause and effect, such as "money runs out when spent" and "waiting brings the next opportunity."

On the Mumsnet forum, there are examples of families starting at age 5 with simple rules like "half the age (e.g., £2.50 for a 5-year-old)." Conversely, many voices say, "don't tie it to chores; it's a family responsibility." The Independent

How much to give? — The market rate is a reference, but the family's plan is the core

When it comes to the amount, it varies with family circumstances, prices, and regional differences. The article cites the UK's "NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2025," introducing that children's average income, including "regular allowance + chore rewards + bonuses," was £474.76 annually (equivalent to £9.13 weekly). It also shows differences by age, with a weekly average allowance of £8.31 for 17-year-olds and £2.81 for 6-year-olds. The Independent

However, the important thing here is not to "match the market rate" but to agree with your child on what the money will cover.
Example:

• "Snacks and sweets are within your range"

• "Part of a friend's birthday present comes from here"

• "Game spending is up to a certain number of times a month (or zero)"
  If this is vague, children will "ask parents for the shortfall each time," and the rules will eventually collapse. The article states that "parents becoming ATMs" arises from design flaws, not the amount. The Independent

The most important: "Consistency" — When, how much, and for what

Leyton emphasizes consistency. If the payment day is irregular, the purpose is unclear, and additional requests are met on the spot, children can't plan, and parents become exhausted.

NatWest's data also shows that fixed weekly payments (the so-called "set it and forget it") can reduce the burden on parents, but only a portion of families actually set regular payments. The Independent

In other words, the ideal is like this.

• Payment day: Every ○ day of the week (or every ○ day of the month)

• Basic amount: Fixed according to age and role

• Additional: Only for special "optional missions" (agree on the unit price in advance)

• Exceptions: Create exception rules in advance (illness, travel, etc.)

Linking to chores? — Teaching the difference between "external rewards" and "internal rewards"

Linking to chores has clear benefits. Buttery appreciates the point of creating a "connection between effort and reward" while also stating that children should learn the value of contributing to the family itself (satisfaction and empathy). The Independent

The reactions on Mumsnet show this divide is real.

• "Chores are 'naturally expected as a family.' Don't exchange for money." mumsnet.com

• "Basic cleaning is a duty, extra help is a bonus" mumsnet.com

• "Daily ○ pence + ○ pence per chore, damages are the child's responsibility" mumsnet.com
  Even with the same "allowance," the design philosophy differs. A recommended approach here is to divide chores into two layers.

• Mandatory layer (no reward): Carrying your own dishes, putting toys back, putting laundry in the basket, etc.

• Optional layer (rewarded): Raking leaves, cleaning windows, helping wash the car, etc.
  This way, you can teach both "responsibility as a family member" and "the sense of earning through work."

"Saving" is not a talent — Design "small successes"

The article states that an allowance is effective as an introduction to saving. Even with a small amount, setting a goal, gradually accumulating, and achieving it connects to the feeling of "I can control it." The Independent

NatWest's report also shows a tendency for children to save in "goal-specific piggy banks (pots)," suggesting that purpose-driven saving supports behavior. NatWest Group

The trick is not to aim for "big items" from the start.

• Goals achievable in 1-2 weeks (small toys, cards, stationery)

• Next, a one-month level (part of a game software, etc.)
  The experience of "waiting" leads to the next patience.

The best lesson is "safe failure" — The experience of regretting spending it all

As a parent, you don't want them to spend on silly things. However, the article suggests that "spending on something a bit silly and regretting it" is a learning experience. If it's a small amount, the tuition is cheap. It's much better than making the same mistake with credit cards or high spending in the future. The Independent

What parents should do here is "reflection" rather than "lecturing."

• "How did you feel before buying it?"

• "What do you want to do next time?"
  This conversation changes money from a "taboo" to a "manageable subject."

Finally, "talk at home" — Allowance is an entry point for conversation

The article also touches on the topic of money education at school, concluding that "open conversations at home are stronger." The Independent

In reality, children learn from "the atmosphere of their parents." Sighing over price increases, justifying impulse purchases, avoiding talking about household finances — all of these become teaching materials. An allowance is a system that creates a small experimental space there.

Reactions on SNS/Forums (Summary: Representative Voices)

*Actual posts are summarized to avoid long quotations.

• The starting age is often "around 5 years old": Voices say "around the time they start school" or "when they understand the value of coins" is a guideline. mumsnet.com

• Linking to chores is divisive: Multiple opinions say "chores are naturally expected as a family, so separate." Meanwhile, "basic is duty, extra is bonus" is popular as a compromise. mumsnet.com

• Rules are easier to continue if "simple": Realization that age-linked formulas (e.g., half the age) or fixed unit prices like 50p per time are easier to continue. mumsnet.com

• Success stories often involve "saving and achieving": Reports of gaining confidence from experiences like saving for a month to buy a game. mumsnet.com