Should kids get pocket money for doing chores?
It’s a debate that divides a lot of parents, and one dad recently shared his dilemma about whether to pay his 10-year-old son for helping around the house and family farm.
“My 10-year-old is mad to do jobs to earn some pocket money – gardening, helping on the farm, cutting hedges, painting gates, you name it,” he told Newstalk.
“The problem is, my wife thinks we shouldn’t be paying him at all. She believes that helping out should just be part of family life.”
His wife’s take comes from her own upbringing on a farm in the 80s and 90s, where she was expected to pitch in without being paid.
But the dad sees pocket money as a way to encourage his son to spend more time outdoors rather than playing video games.
To get around their disagreement, he’s been slipping his son the odd €20 in secret – but admits it feels a bit sneaky.
Family psychotherapist Joanna Fortune weighed in, warning that secretly giving money could create unnecessary secrecy between the parents and child.
“Pocket money is a great way to teach kids about budgeting, saving, and financial independence,” she said. “But it’s important to be clear about how and why they’re getting it.”
Joanna said her suggestion would be a balanced approach – having some household chores that kids are expected to do just because they’re part of the family, while also giving them the chance to earn money for extra tasks.
“This little guy isn’t just asking for cash – he actually wants to earn it,” she said. “That’s a great mindset to encourage.
“Kids benefit from doing their regular chores unpaid, but also having the option to take on extra work for pocket money.”
She also said they need to focus on setting clear expectations. “Make sure your child knows what their pocket money is meant to cover,” she said.
“For younger kids, it might just be about learning to save a little. Older kids might be expected to cover things like phone bills or toiletries. Whatever the amount, it should make sense for their age and responsibilities.”
Teaching kids to save is another key lesson and Joanna believes that getting into the habit of automatically putting some money aside – no matter how little – sets them up with good financial skills for life.
Parents can also guide them in saving for specific goals, like holiday spending money or a big purchase.
“If a child is eager to earn money, they probably already have something in mind they want to buy,” she pointed out.
“Just make sure it’s something you’re okay with them having, because once they’ve earned the money, they’ll expect to spend it however they like.”
