Bedtime Battles: A Routine That Works
How to end bedtime battles: a simple, consistent routine, how much sleep children need by age, handling stalling and night wakings, and screens before bed.
Pocket Money by Age: How Much and How to Use It
How much pocket money to give by age, whether to tie it to chores, spend-save-share jars, teaching budgeting and when to introduce a bank account or card.
Key takeaways
- Many families start pocket money around age five to seven, increasing it as responsibilities grow.
- A spend-save-share system teaches choices, patience and generosity.
- Let children make small money mistakes while the stakes are low.
On this page
Pocket money is one of the best tools for teaching children about money: choices, patience, trade-offs and the satisfaction of saving for something. The exact amount matters less than how you use it.
When to start
Many families start around five to seven, when children can count money and understand that it can be exchanged for things.
How much?
There’s no single right amount. A common approach is to link it to age, such as a small amount per year of age each week, adjusted for your budget and what the money is expected to cover.
| Age | What pocket money might cover |
|---|---|
| 5–7 | Small treats and toys; saving for a bigger toy |
| 8–10 | Treats, small toys, some gifts for friends |
| 11–13 | Snacks out, some entertainment, part of clothing or hobby costs |
| 14+ | More of their own spending; practice for a budget |
Chores and pocket money
Families take different approaches:
- Separate: pocket money is a learning tool; everyday chores are unpaid family contributions.
- Linked: extra jobs earn extra money.
- Combined: a base amount plus paid extras.
Many parents keep core chores unpaid and pay for extras; see our chores by age guide.
Spend, save, share
Divide money into three jars or accounts:
- Spend: for now
- Save: for a goal, such as a bike or game
- Share: for gifts or charity
Visible jars help younger children see money grow.
Let them make mistakes
If they spend everything on the first day and then want something else, resist rescuing them. A small disappointment now is a cheap lesson. It also helps with entitlement; see signs of a spoiled child.
Going digital
As children get older, a children’s bank account or prepaid card with parental controls helps them manage money they can’t see. Explain that digital money is still real money, and talk about online spending in games and apps; see screen time by age.
Frequently asked questions
Should pocket money be taken away as punishment?
Many experts suggest not, as it muddles the money lesson. Use consequences related to the behavior instead.
Weekly or monthly?
Weekly suits younger children; monthly gives older children practice with budgeting.
What should kids pay for themselves?
Start with small treats and toys, and gradually add more as they get older.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
Picky Eaters: What Actually Helps
Why young children are picky eaters, the division of responsibility at meals, how many tries a new food can take, what backfires, and when to see a doctor.
Chores by Age: A Practical Chart for Kids
Age-appropriate chores for children from 2 to 12, why chores matter, how to teach them step by step, whether to pay for chores and how to avoid nagging.