Table of contents
- When do I start paying pocket money?
- How much pocket money should children get?
- Pocket money table: How much money at what age?
For children, money is just a concept. They don't understand the value behind a certain amount until they are four, five or six years old. And even after that, they often still lack proportionality.
That's why children express many wishes. The magazine at the kiosk, the chocolate in the supermarket or the toy car in the department store: if it were up to the littlest ones in the house, they would bring at least one thing with them from every trip. You can't blame them because how are they supposed to know that something is 'expensive' or that (their parents') money is finite? They have to learn that and the best way to do that is with pocket money.
We would like to explain when you can or should give your child pocket money, what payment intervals are appropriate at what age and also how much pocket money should be depending on age. You will also find out when it is better not to pay pocket money.
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When do I start paying pocket money?
Children can be slowly introduced to their own money from the age of four or five. For example, if you give them 1 euro of pocket money a week, they quickly learn that you get a lollipop in return, but not a scoop of ice cream, for example. You learn the value of 1 euro and begin to understand that sometimes you have to 'save' to be able to afford bigger things.
How much pocket money should children get?
When it comes to the amount of pocket money, you should always consider your own child and their needs individually. The age of the offspring obviously plays a role in the amount of pocket money, but so do the parents' options.
In families where money is tight, pocket money will usually be lower. But that doesn't necessarily have to have negative effects. In this case, it is important that parents talk to the child about it and explain the situation to them.
Families that have enough money should not 'spoil' their children with too much pocket money. The aim and purpose of pocket money is to teach the child to manage their money. The child should learn to understand that sometimes you can't afford something and have to save for certain wishes.
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Pocket money table: How much money at what age?
The pocket money table provides guidance on how much pocket money makes sense at what age. It is based on the recommendation of the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
| age of the child | Pocket money amount |
| under 6 years | 0.50 – 1.00 euros per week |
| 6 years | 1.00 – 1.50 euros per week |
| 7 years | 1.50 – 2.00 euros per week |
| 8 years | 2.00 – 2.50 euros per week |
| 9 years | 2.50 – 3.00 euros per week |
| 10 years | 15.50 – 18.00 euros per month |
| 11 years | 18.00 – 20.50 euros per month |
| 12 years | 20.50 – 23.00 euros per month |
| 13 years | 23.50 – 25.50 euros per month |
| 14 years | 25.50 – 30.50 euros per month |
| 15 years | 30.50 – 38.00 euros per month |
| 16 years | 38.00 – 45.50 per month |
| 17 years | 45.50 – 61.00 euros per month |
| 18 years | 61.00 – 76.00 euros per month |
The amount of pocket money given here for the respective age is purely a recommendation. Nobody is obliged to pay their child pocket money (of this amount).
Pay pocket money weekly or monthly?
- For small children, pocket money is best paid out weekly, then monthly. The amount is usually given in cash, but for young people it can also be transferred to a checking account.
- Create clear conditions right from the start: determine a constant amount and a fixed payday (e.g. always Wednesdays, always the first Saturday of the month). Very important: stick to it!
- Set the rules: The money belongs to your child and they can do whatever they want with it. But: There is no advance payment and no extra money.
- Motivate your child to save some of the money to fulfill a special wish (e.g. a game)
- Forbid your child from buying dangerous things (this especially applies to teenagers). In the event of violations (cigarettes, alcohol), pocket money will be canceled!
Pocket money is not a means of pressure
It is also important that pocket money should not be paid, increased or canceled as a means of pressure, for example for school performance. School achievements should not be financially rewarded because your child learns for life.
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The same applies to household chores (setting the table, unloading the dishwasher), because it is normal for every family member to help out around the house. However, you can give your child a little money if you entrust them with an unusual task, for example if they help renovate the apartment.
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What can my child buy with pocket money?
Sometimes as a parent you have to bite your tongue very, very hard when your offspring tells you what they want to buy with their savings. Because as stupid and stupid as some purchases may seem, if the child wants to make them with his savings, then he is allowed to do so. (Of course, purchases that are dangerous or that are subject to a general ban within the family are excluded.)
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And if the child then realizes that all the saving and money wasn't worth it, then he or she has learned something valuable for life.
In fact, Germany regulates what children are allowed to do with their pocket money. In the so-calledPocket money paragraphsThe Civil Code (BGB) states that by paying pocket money, parents make this money freely available to their child. This means that the child can decide what to buy with it.
This does not apply to younger children under the age of seven, because according to the law they are not yet legally competent. This means that parents can theoretically cancel a purchase if they do not agree with it.
Practical tips for pocket money
If you follow these tips, your child will learn to manage money better:
- Increase pocket money every year.
- Explain to your child who pays what. You are responsible for all necessary purchases (clothing, costs for the sports club, school supplies, books…). Your child has to pay for all extra requests themselves (a new game for the Playstation, a cell phone), sweets (ice cream, chewing gum), additional payment for branded items, accessories.
- Take your child shopping and show them the price tags. Explain to him how to compare prices, what life costs and how to use money correctly.
Your child doesn't want pocket money
It's rare, but it does happen: some children refuse pocket money. For example, because they are afraid of getting older or are not yet mature enough. Don't force money on your child! Wait until he wants a game or a piece of candy and then explain to him that that's what the pocket money is for.
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