Allowance Dos and Don’ts
A regular allowance can help your kids learn the vital importance of saving. Here’s what you need to know.

- DO give the allowance on the same day of the week, every week.
- DON’T tell your child how to spend the allowance money. That defeats the purpose: teaching financial decision-making.
- DO base the amount of the allowance on the realistic spending needs of the child at that age.
[An Age-by-Age Guide for Teaching Your Teen How to Manage His Money]
- DON’T pay your child for cleaning her room, completing homework, and so on. Everyday chores should remain separate from an allowance.
- DO build your child’s money confidence by praising good money-handling habits and decisions.
- DON’T tie the allowance to grades. Most children with ADHD feel enough grade pressure as it is.
- DO provide opportunities for your child to earn extra money by doing jobs around the house.
[Spending and Saving Basics for an I-Want-It-Now Child]
- DON’T criticize poor spending decisions. Discuss them with your child, and let him deal with the consequences of his decisions.
- DO set a good example for your child through your own financial planning and responsible spending decisions.