In the realm of parenting, few phrases can evoke as much joy as, “Mom, I’d like underwear for my birthday.” My initial laughter turned to realization when my daughter, Sarah, assured me she was completely serious.
A year prior, as she transitioned into eighth grade, my 13-year-old proposed a unique arrangement: a one-time allowance of $100 to cover her entire school year. With great enthusiasm, she drafted a contract, which we reviewed and signed together. She felt wealthy for precisely eight weeks, followed by a period of financial restraint that lasted eight months. Surprisingly, those months of limitation proved to be quite enriching.
Here’s what Sarah gleaned from her experience:
- Work Ethic: Sarah became more proactive in seeking out babysitting gigs, eager for every opportunity that came her way.
- Resourcefulness: Rather than spending money, she and her friends sought out free activities. At Christmas, she crafted handmade gifts or sourced them second-hand, which were often more meaningful than anything store-bought.
- Financial Awareness: Faced with the need to stretch her funds, Sarah opted out of purchasing a yearbook and chose to prepare meals at home instead of indulging in fast food during athletic events. When it came to her eighth-grade trip to New York City, she initially hesitated about the costs but ultimately agreed to babysit with me to fund the experience. While she didn’t bring much spending money, this decision kept her from unnecessary purchases, resulting in cherished memories instead of fleeting souvenirs.
- Self-Reliance: Taking charge of her financial situation instilled a newfound confidence in Sarah. She took pride in her ability to earn money and often requested time alone to manage her responsibilities independently.
- Gratitude: The shift in her mindset was immediate. Any time I bought her something, even a simple can of soup, she expressed genuine appreciation. Her Christmas list consisted of running shoes and boots, items I would have bought anyway, but her sense of ownership made her elated on Christmas morning.
- Shopping Harmony: Our previously contentious shopping trips transformed into enjoyable outings. She no longer begged for items but instead engaged in thoughtful discussions about potential purchases. Occasionally, she still tests the waters with playful pleas, but the overall dynamic is far more peaceful.
- Budget Management: While calling her a “Budget Queen” may be a stretch, Sarah maintains a ledger to track her finances. She allocates 10% to charity, 20% to college savings, and keeps 70% for personal use. Resources like www.themint.org can assist families in managing financial literacy.
As Sarah progressed into high school, her allowance increased, yet we still assist with necessary expenses like iPads and sports fees. Despite these contributions, her understanding of financial responsibility has led to greater gratitude and communication when she needs something.
This weekend, she is babysitting after a busy week of school and sports, and she has even secured a summer job to bolster her savings. I sometimes worry about her level of responsibility and independence at just 14 years old, as I question if she should be enjoying more leisure time.
Family life is rarely without its challenges, but the $100 allowance model proved effective for two reasons: Sarah initiated the idea, and her commitment was sincere.
P.S. Yes, I did get her that underwear for her birthday, and she was delighted.
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Summary
The $100 allowance experience taught Sarah valuable lessons in work ethic, resourcefulness, financial management, and gratitude. While navigating the challenges of adolescence, she has embraced responsibility, which has fostered independence and improved our family dynamics.
Keyphrase: $100 allowance for kids
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