As a new survey reveals a 29% rise in pocket money, Childrens Express journalists reflect on the pounds in their pocket.
| Children should like their parents for what they are and not just their money. |
Laura Dodsworth, 14
I think children get it good because, they get loads of money a week and sometimes they dont even do anything for it. I get 3 off my Granddad a week. I dont think that is a lot, but I have got a Sunday morning paper round and I get 5 for doing all the ironing. I dont have to buy clothes and trainers, but I have to save for my holiday money.
I like getting money but I like to spend it as well, on things like music, make up and stuff for school. I think young people should work for their money because it teaches them how to be responsible when they get older. If I need something I have to save for it, but if my mum is feeling generous she will buy it for me. I use to get about a fiver. My little sister is 6 and she gets 1.00 a week.
Tara Aston, 14
I get just as much pocket money as my mum can afford that week. Its usually five pounds or over. I spend my money on all kinds of different things like going to Club WOW on the first Wednesday of every month when they have an under 18s night. I usually save up my money to buy some new clothes for WOW and then my mum gives me an extra 10 to go with. If I dont go to the club I go to the pictures or something.
Wesley Taylor, 14
Ive always had pocket money, its usually between 2.50 - 6.50 sometimes more. I am the kind of young lad who has never been expected to run around after my parents but sometimes I do the odd job, like going to the shop or doing a favour around the house.
I have heard of people who get a lot more than anyone else for doing nothing. When I receive my money, I always spend it on something I enjoy and gets me out of the house. For example swimming or cinema. I get different amounts of money for activities after school.
When it comes to more expensive items, like clothes, my mum looks after that side of things.
Erin Spence, 14
I think children should get pocket money because it teaches them how to handle having a certain amount of money. Its up to them what they spend it on. Some children I know do jobs to earn extra money like a paper round or babysitting.
Some children get 10 a week but they are usually the ones who have to buy more things for themselves. Older children tend to spend their money on CDs or clothes while younger children tend to buy more sweets or the latest craze.
I think children are getting more money because the stuff we want to buy is getting more expensive, so we then ask for more.
Rebecca Robinson, 14
I think kids should get spending money because it allows them to buy what they want and not ask their parents all the time. I get 20 per month and I think thats enough for what I need because my parents buy my clothes and all my other stuff.
I think parents who dont give their kids spending money and buy them everything arent doing them any favours because once they get a job they wont be able to handle their money.
I always try and save some of my money but it always gets spent, usually on things I dont really need. I cant have money and not spend it. If I want to buy something expensive, though, I do manage to save about half my money.
Bradley Turton, 12
I think a lot of young people get too much pocket money from their families. I know children who get 10 and I think that is far too much.
I believe that you should work for money and not have it given to you. Parents should crack down on too much pocket money. I have about 3.50 per week in pocket money and I think that is quite enough. When I am given my pocket money I spend it wisely instead of on rubbish. Children should like their parents for what they are and not just their money. Kids often hassle parents for designer gear. I even know a kid who tried to persuade his mum to give him 5 just to go to school.
Mark Lewis, 14
To little kids pocket money is one of the best things in the week. OK, some things they buy have no value to older people (like Pokmon cards) but if it makes the kid happy, who cares!
3.50 seems to be the average, but that doesnt go very far these days when you think that a CD is going to cost you over 10. Some kids I know money for how good or helpful theyve been. You get some parents using pocket money like a wage do so much, and Ill pay you for it, but you have to earn it.
I spend on computer games and CDs but Im careful with my money in case I need to buy presents at a later date. I always seem to have spare cash.
About this article
This article was published in the Sheffield Star.
