Should You Give Kids an Allowance?

Moms Talk is a new weekly feature on Encino Patch, for which local parents are invited to share opinions and advice on parenting issues.

Each week our five-member Moms Council will discuss a different issue. Join the conversation by weighing in on a topic or asking your questions.

This week the conversation focuses on allowances. Moms Council member Jill Krutchik raises these questions:

The concept of allowances makes sense, but in my house it’s the implementation that is often lacking. So many questions are attached to the idea of an allowance. At what age should I start giving an allowance? How much should I give? Is there a good formula that most people use by multiplying the age and amount received? Is the receipt of the allowance automatic or is it tied to the child performing certain chores or responsibilities in the family? Finally, what is an allowance teaching? 

We would like to continue that discussion here, so we’re asking you to join the conversation in the comment section below.