What’s the going rate, these days?
I didn’t get pocket money, growing up and I was always so jealous of those who did. Not just because they had cash to buy things, but because I loved the idea of being in charge of my own money.
Life is expensive and kids seem to have it all anyway, so we were interested to find out, do Irish kids still get pocket money? And if so, how much?
It seems it’s not a universal activity, with just 54% of readers surveyed saying they give their children pocket money.
Reasons for not partaking included:
“They don’t need pocket money. Kids these days get whatever they want bought for them.”
“I put money away for them myself. They’ve more than enough toys and don’t need any more sweets.”
Some readers love the practice and use it as a learning opportunity:
“I give them €10 each and ask them if they want to give half to charity. They always do. We put it in a box and send it to Unicef a few times a year.”
“Mine get €2 per chore, up to a maximum of €10. Works a treat!”
So how much are these kids raking in?
Juniors, or under fives, are getting around €2 on an ad hoc basis, usually when it’s time to visit a shop or go get an ice-cream.
Kids in general are getting somewhere between €5 and €10, but again it’s not always a regular thing, with only 62% saying it’s a weekly occurrence.
Most of you don’t make them work for it, with only 21% saying pocket money is rewards-based.
But you’re strict taskmasters, as 70% say they withhold pocket money if behavior is less than desirable.
What about you? Do you give your kids pocket money, or is it an outdated concept in your house? Let us know in the comments.
