<![CDATA[Pocket money]]>Hi! My daughter will be going to P1 next year and just like to check with all the experienced mommies & daddies in this forum how much pocket money is considered a reasonable amount?


Do you give pocket money on a daily basis or weekly?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/657/pocket-moneyRSS for NodeSat, 09 May 2026 12:38:56 GMTSun, 27 Jul 2008 15:39:21 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:15:08 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
That's why we keep it separate from their own money and out of sight. My kids have never misused it, but I guess if they did, we would either make them replace it from their savings, or make them do extra chores to 'earn' it back. It would have to be something over and above their regular chores, of course, and would also depend on their age.

Interesting.. This will teach them discipline and self-control too. Great idea!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1271099https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1271099Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:15:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:11:29 GMT]]>

FB555:
My dd did it once. She spent some of her 'emergency money'. I think we did not make it clear enough to her on the rule and so she spent it. We did not remove it but she needs to top up the difference using her money from piggy bank. So tat we can reinforce the understanding that the emergency money is untouchable unless absolutely neccessay.


My kids are v discipline because my dh is v strict and harsh in his punishment.
Makes sense.. Thanks! Kids are usually unable to delay gratification (i.e. unable to NOT spend money or NOT eat candy if it's right in front of them) so this will go some distance in teaching them self-control.. Brilliant!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1271097https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1271097Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:11:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 23:34:48 GMT]]>

Beatrice_NoQ:
I love the idea of 'emergency' money! But what if your kid doesn't have self-control and spends the emergency money repeatedly? Then do we take it away?

That's why we keep it separate from their own money and out of sight. My kids have never misused it, but I guess if they did, we would either make them replace it from their savings, or make them do extra chores to 'earn' it back. It would have to be something over and above their regular chores, of course, and would also depend on their age.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1268214https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1268214Wed, 16 Apr 2014 23:34:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:08:05 GMT]]>

Beatrice_NoQ:
I love the idea of 'emergency' money! But what if your kid doesn't have self-control and spends the emergency money repeatedly? Then do we take it away?

My dd did it once. She spent some of her 'emergency money'. I think we did not make it clear enough to her on the rule and so she spent it. We did not remove it but she needs to top up the difference using her money from piggy bank. So tat we can reinforce the understanding that the emergency money is untouchable unless absolutely neccessay.

My kids are v discipline because my dh is v strict and harsh in his punishment.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267944https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267944Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:08:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:53:55 GMT]]>I love the idea of ‘emergency’ money! But what if your kid doesn’t have self-control and spends the emergency money repeatedly? Then do we take it away?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267931https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267931Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:53:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 06:42:09 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Thanks all, problem solved.

So happy for you 😄
May i know how it was solved? Just curious to know.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267720https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267720Wed, 16 Apr 2014 06:42:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 04:09:33 GMT]]>Thanks all, problem solved.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267614https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267614Wed, 16 Apr 2014 04:09:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 01:32:50 GMT]]>Me too! We also give our kids $2 as an emergency money ,stashed in a compartment of their school bag, just in case they lost their money.


Snowbee
If you think that you have no time to talk to the form teacher in person,with regards to this matter, probably you can write an email to him or her. Usually for my kids’ school, their teachers will respond within 3 working days.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267459https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267459Wed, 16 Apr 2014 01:32:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 01:15:52 GMT]]>

bebebub:
slmkhoo:

[quote=\"snowbee88\"]Thanks for advice... we gave him so much cos afraid if we forgot to give him at the end of the day (sometimes we work late), he will still have money for the 2nd day. Prudence concept...


If you trust your child not to help himself to more than he should, you can leave a small stash of money at home for him to take what he needs if you should forget. We did that for our kids when they were small. Or if you have some other caregiver at home, you can leave the spare money with him/her for such occasions.

:hi5:
This is what we practice in our home. Dd takes her daily allowance of $2 from the petty cash I leave in the common drawer. If she takes more than her daily allowance, she has to ask for prior permission. She will remind us to top up if the petty cash is depleting.

Dd has a little purse with an extra $2 that is stashed deep in her school bag, as 'emergency money'. This money cannot be used if she forgets to take her daily allowance.[/quote]Oh yes! I forgot - we also had the kids bring 'emergency money'. Same way as bebebub - it was in a little bag kept in a less-accessed pocket of their schoolbag to be used only for genuine emergencies (we spelled out what constituted emergencies). I also put in a slip of paper with our phone nos. and the grandparents' phone nos.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267442https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267442Wed, 16 Apr 2014 01:15:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:43:09 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
snowbee88:

Thanks for advice... we gave him so much cos afraid if we forgot to give him at the end of the day (sometimes we work late), he will still have money for the 2nd day. Prudence concept...


If you trust your child not to help himself to more than he should, you can leave a small stash of money at home for him to take what he needs if you should forget. We did that for our kids when they were small. Or if you have some other caregiver at home, you can leave the spare money with him/her for such occasions.

:hi5:
This is what we practice in our home. Dd takes her daily allowance of $2 from the petty cash I leave in the common drawer. If she takes more than her daily allowance, she has to ask for prior permission. She will remind us to top up if the petty cash is depleting.

Dd has a little purse with an extra $2 that is stashed deep in her school bag, as 'emergency money'. This money cannot be used if she forgets to take her daily allowance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267387https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267387Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:43:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:15:40 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Thanks for advice... we gave him so much cos afraid if we forgot to give him at the end of the day (sometimes we work late), he will still have money for the 2nd day. Prudence concept...

If you trust your child not to help himself to more than he should, you can leave a small stash of money at home for him to take what he needs if you should forget. We did that for our kids when they were small. Or if you have some other caregiver at home, you can leave the spare money with him/her for such occasions.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267360https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1267360Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:15:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:58:41 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Hi slmkhoo,

He's too soft to reject.. His schoolmate told him his mother will scold him if he used up his money. DS already told him I will look for his mother if he's going to ask paying for him again. However, this friend doesn't seem to get 'threaten'.
The first time the boy took $2 from DS and bought food that cost $1. He did not even return DS the remaining $1. Subsequently, the boy continues to pester DS to pay for him and even took money from DS directly.

We gave him $3 which is a bit more compared to peers.
Am considering to reduce to $2 (he usually buy chicken rice that cost $1.50) or I will just stop giving DS pocket money for the time being to 'punish him'. He can bring food to school if he wants or just starve till home, which is a bit harsh.. or.... any better solution??
In my kids' school, the teachers have advised student not to borrow money from one another and they are not suppose to give any student their money.
There was once that my ds lost his pocket money and his classmate wanted to lend him some money but was stopped by the teacher. The teacher then brought him to office and gave my ds $1. My ds returned the $1 when finally found the money.

You need to bring this to the attention to the kid's form teacher as it is not right to constantly lending or borrowing money. Should make sure that kids know this is not right to do so.
I only give my kids $2 and i make sure they must at least save 20cts in their piggy bank. It is a good habit to save your money. Pocket money of more than $2 is a bit too much but it also depend on the price set by the school canteen.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266974https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266974Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:58:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:52:28 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Thanks for advice... we gave him so much cos afraid if we forgot to give him at the end of the day (sometimes we work late), he will still have money for the 2nd day. Prudence concept...

Don't kids remind parents if we forget to give pocket money? 😂 I know mine will remind DH for it on Sunday night. I know he has forgotten before & DD will stand in front of him asking for it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266970https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266970Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:52:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:49:06 GMT]]>Thanks for advice… we gave him so much cos afraid if we forgot to give him at the end of the day (sometimes we work late), he will still have money for the 2nd day. Prudence concept…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266966https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266966Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:49:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:44:56 GMT]]>

snowbee88:

We gave him $3 which is a bit more compared to peers.
Am considering to reduce to $2 (he usually buy chicken rice that cost $1.50) or I will just stop giving DS pocket money for the time being to 'punish him'. He can bring food to school if he wants or just starve till home, which is a bit harsh.. or.... any better solution??
Actually, why do you need to give him $3 a day? When DS was in P1 & P2, he got $1 a day (cos he didn't eat much so plus 70 cents can already get him a bowl of fishball noodles). Now, DS is getting $2 a day. Same amount if he needs to stay for lunch.
cmm:
Frankly, I check my son's pocket money balance everyday. Ask him what he ate that day and how much it cost, how much does he have left. If the balance does not tally, which is only rarely, he would need to give me an explanation. This also trains him up in accountability.
I also did this with DS when he was in P1. Over time, once I know he's ok handling his pocket money, I don't check anymore.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266962https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266962Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:44:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:29:49 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Hi slmkhoo,

He's too soft to reject.. His schoolmate told him his mother will scold him if he used up his money. DS already told him I will look for his mother if he's going to ask paying for him again. However, this friend doesn't seem to get 'threaten'.
The first time the boy took $2 from DS and bought food that cost $1. He did not even return DS the remaining $1. Subsequently, the boy continues to pester DS to pay for him and even took money from DS directly.

We gave him $3 which is a bit more compared to peers.
Am considering to reduce to $2 (he usually buy chicken rice that cost $1.50) or I will just stop giving DS pocket money for the time being to 'punish him'. He can bring food to school if he wants or just starve till home, which is a bit harsh.. or.... any better solution??

Hmm......analyzing this situation, your boy is either too kind hearted or lacks the self confidence to say \"No\" to his friend. Either way, I don't think he should be 'punished' for it. This is actually a good opportunity for you to teach him how to stand up for himself.

I would get him to tell his friend that he should spend his own money for recess from now on and if he finds that his own pocket money is insufficient to meet his mother's 'dun-spend-all-your-pocket-money' requirement, then he should have a word with her. And if he continues to pester him, their form teacher will be informed.

Frankly, I check my son's pocket money balance everyday. Ask him what he ate that day and how much it cost, how much does he have left. If the balance does not tally, which is only rarely, he would need to give me an explanation. This also trains him up in accountability.

Sometimes he'll come home & tell me that so and so from his class does not eat anything during recess. I'll probe and ask if it's because he is not hungry or if he does not have money to buy food. Then I'll ask my boy to share his food (those that can be shared hygienically) with him next time.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266936https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266936Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:29:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:24:19 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Hi slmkhoo,

He's too soft to reject.. His schoolmate told him his mother will scold him if he used up his money. DS already told him I will look for his mother if he's going to ask paying for him again. However, this friend doesn't seem to get 'threaten'.
The first time the boy took $2 from DS and bought food that cost $1. He did not even return DS the remaining $1. Subsequently, the boy continues to pester DS to pay for him and even took money from DS directly.

We gave him $3 which is a bit more compared to peers.
Am considering to reduce to $2 (he usually buy chicken rice that cost $1.50) or I will just stop giving DS pocket money for the time being to 'punish him'. He can bring food to school if he wants or just starve till home, which is a bit harsh.. or.... any better solution??
Either this boy is bullying your child, or he (the other child) does not understand the purpose of pocket money. If it's the latter, it may be that he misunderstood what his mother said and does not dare use his money at all. In any case, I think you should contact the form teacher or the boy's mother. I think your son has already proven that he is unable to deal with this issue by himself, and not giving him money will deprive him of the opportunity to learn how to manage his finances. It will also deprive the other boy of an opportunity to learn - either that bullying or taking someone else's money is unacceptable, or how pocket money is to be used. And in the meanwhile, give your son only what he needs for himself.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266932https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266932Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:24:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:49:50 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Hi slmkhoo,

He's too soft to reject.. His schoolmate told him his mother will scold him if he used up his money. DS already told him I will look for his mother if he's going to ask paying for him again. However, this friend doesn't seem to get 'threaten'.
The first time the boy took $2 from DS and bought food that cost $1. He did not even return DS the remaining $1. Subsequently, the boy continues to pester DS to pay for him and even took money from DS directly.

We gave him $3 which is a bit more compared to peers.
Am considering to reduce to $2 (he usually buy chicken rice that cost $1.50) or I will just stop giving DS pocket money for the time being to 'punish him'. He can bring food to school if he wants or just starve till home, which is a bit harsh.. or.... any better solution??
IMO, it sounds a bit like bullying. The kid is pestering your DS for money. Yes, you could pack food for your DS instead of giving him money. But you may wish to speak to the form teacher as well? Otherwise, that kid will just look for another classmate to get money from. Or just take your DS packed food.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266916https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266916Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:49:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:20:11 GMT]]>Upz

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266895https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266895Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:20:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:47:38 GMT]]>

snowbee88:
Hi, like to seek advice in this topic...

my DS had been paying for his schoolmate food during recess..
need advice on how should I handle this problem.
Why is he doing that? Is he being forced to? Or does he feel sorry or his schoolmate? Or is he being generous? How come he can afford to pay for 2? What you say to him and what you can do will depend on the reason.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266808https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266808Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:47:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:06:26 GMT]]>How old is your DS and how much are you giving him right now? Do you give him on a daily basis or weekly basis?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266772https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266772Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:06:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 04:21:15 GMT]]>Upz

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266746https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1266746Tue, 15 Apr 2014 04:21:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 12:16:08 GMT]]>

Red_Snow:
thanks, bigfoot, for ur info. Is ur child going to P1 too?

Yes, my DS1 will be entering P1 soon. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/324046https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/324046Sun, 02 Jan 2011 12:16:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Pocket money on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 08:59:06 GMT]]>I give my dd $1 and 510c to call me. cos she dont have H.phone. not every day but if she make a call to me or buy any drink/food I just replace them.

In the start of p1 I gave her 2$ + 510c but she started to buy unwanted stuff from bookshop( eg stickers, erasers etc etc). In the end of P1 she got friends and they play during the break.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/323999https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/323999Sun, 02 Jan 2011 08:59:06 GMT