Should a teen’s allowance end once they start working? I was surprised to find that 45% of respondents in a recent poll by the Family Education Network felt that teens should continue to receive an allowance once they start working. 47% voted “no” and just 8% had “no opinion”.
I found this kind of odd. I’ve never known a teen that worked and received an allowance. That seems to defeat the purpose of working. When teens work, it’s a step toward independence. It’s also a good way for them to learn the value of money and how to budget. If they know that they are still going to get an allowance I would think they would not budget their money as well since they know they have additional income to look forward to. I work and I receive child support. The latter is money that I can depend on receiving twice a month. But I’ve always felt that technically it’s Tyler’s money. So even though I know that I can depend on it, it’s money that I use to provide for his basic needs: clothes, haircuts, entertainment, etc. Therefore, I don’t count it as part of my monthly income.
As a parent, I can’t see giving Tyler an allowance if he’s also working. If he wants to work, then he has to learn to budget his money appropriately. It’s like the kids who have cars but never seem to have enough money to put gas in the car. I’m sure the parents who feel kids should continue to get an allowance must have a good reason for feeling the way they do. I just don’t get it. I think a better use of the money would be to invest it or save it for your child and give the money to them as a graduation present. You’ve already budgeted for it anyway. Maybe that’s why the parents do it? What’s your opinion, should a teen continue to receive an allowance once they are gainfully employed?
See also:
Teaching Your Children The True Value of a Dollar