Chores or no chores? The economic psychology of giving kids pocket money

A behavioural economist writing for The Conversation has examined how parents should handle pocket money — and found the answer depends on what you're paying kids to do. If you pay children for routine chores like clearing the table or walking the dog, you risk weakening a key social norm: that family members contribute without expecting payment. But paying for special projects — washing the car, painting the house — works differently. It signals opportunity, skill-building, and fair reward. If you can manage a regular weekly allowance, tie it to teaching money management rather than work. And kids can earn extra by offering their services to neighbors. The research suggests that thoughtful parents can help their children grow into pro-social adults who contribute because it matters, not just when the payment shows up.

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