Allowance

 Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why?

Allowance is a system of payment between parents and their children. The sole purpose of the allowance system is to expose children to financial management and responsibility. I also believe that it introduces children to the idea of earning their keep. In the work force, a person cannot earn a full paycheck unless their performance and work ethic is up to par. Children should not be given an allowance if their behavior is not up to their parents’ standards or if they have not successfully completed their household chores. Enforcing this code of conduct and work ethic is in the best interest of the child because it prepares them for the work force and children will develop a sense of appreciation for what they earn.

In the work force, adults will not earn a full paycheck unless they perform each task that corresponds to their job title successfully and efficiently, at all times. If negative behavior continues, it can result in suspension without pay, or even being fired. Instilling these principles in children, at any early age, will give them an advantage in the future. They will get adjusted to the idea of working hard, to make a profit of any kind. As I always say, there is nothing that anyone can give you that you cannot earn yourself.

When people work hard to accomplish a goal or earn a paycheck, they develop a deeper sense of appreciation for what they have. If you give a child an allowance, regardless of their behavior and work ethic, they will never know the value of a dollar. For example, a relative of mine does not perform well in school, both academically and behavior wise, and does not take care of the possessions he already owns. Yet, his parents continue to reward him, although he is irresponsible and does not deserve what he gets. No matter what he receives, he never treats it with great care and appreciation because he has developed the mindset that he can get anything he so desires, no matter the circumstances. With this mentality, he will never be able to handle real life.

In conclusion, giving a child an allowance when they do not deserve it is ultimately setting them up for failure because as an adult, nothing is ever handed to you, you must earn it by working hard, or, in the words of Mr. Wallace “Giving everything, all the time.”  Making your child earn an allowance by displaying good behavior or completing their chores will prepare them for the real world and the future. America is a very competitive society so it is important to make sure your child is one step ahead of the competition.