Opinion Essay on Allowance

Many experts say it is important to give children a regular allowance (usually a small amount of money) for doing chores. It teaches them how to be responsible, how to manage money, and how to value working hard. Earning money for doing chores allows children to practice important decision-making skills.

It is important for young children to practice being responsible for something. A child may not be thankful for something if he or she receives it too easily. On the other hand, a child who must use his or her allowance to buy something is likely to learn the value of hard work. The child will have a chance to experience the reward that comes from hard work, even if the hard work is not fun.

Another good thing about earning a regular allowance is the chance for a child to practice planning to buy something. An important part of planning is being patient. In order to plan well for a purchase, a child must think ahead about the total cost of the item he or she wishes to buy. Then the child must plan for how long he or she must save to buy it.

Some people say that one of the best ways for children to learn how to be responsible is for them to have the chance to make “safe” mistakes. For example, it is better to miss out on going to a movie when you’re young than to run out of money to pay for a home later in life.

Finally, it is important to learn that we must work hard—and wait. It is good for children to understand that they can’t buy everything they want. This helps children make smart choices about their spending. The hope is that a responsible child will grow into a responsible adult!

Many parents give their children a regular allowance for doing chores. Some experts warn that this is a bad idea. Chores should be expected, not rewarded with money. Children should do chores because it is part of what it means to be part of a family.

According to some studies, teenagers who received a regular allowance were less likely to understand the importance of hard work. Instead, these teens believed that they should be given a certain amount of money no matter what.

There are many parents who believe that an allowance should be given only as a reward for doing something well. For example, a child might receive a special reward for earning good grades, which encourages the child to keep studying. This kind of reward system can also prepare students for college. Students who earn high grades are more likely to receive extra money in the form of scholarships, which help pay for schooling.

Giving children an occasional special allowance can teach them that hard work pays, not that their parents owe them money. In addition, children will learn that being a hard worker and doing something well is a reward in itself. This kind of mindset helps children be successful. They will value working hard—money or no money.