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Does a child need pocket money?
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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According to experts, it is not advisable for a child to have access to pocket money until the age of 5.
The earlier parents introduce their child to the world of money, the more likely it is that they will raise him to be an egoist.
Scientists conducted several consecutive experiments and found that early exposure of children to money can lead to the development of psychological problems over time - especially if the family belongs to a very poor or very rich segment of the population.
By giving money to a small child, parents can develop in him such qualities as greed and self-interest: most likely, when he grows up, he will look for benefits in almost everything.
It is worth noting that the aforementioned series of experiments lasted for two decades. Scientists observed children, their development and upbringing. Such children received pocket money from older family members at different times and in different amounts.
Based on the results of the experiments, the experts made the following conclusions: those who were introduced to financial spending at an early age and did not have the opportunity to fully understand the value of money, subsequently became more selfish and greedy. Psychologists supported the scientists, pointing out that children can only be given money after they reach the age of five, and it does not matter whether this happens in the form of a game or as an incentive.
In turn, the employees of one of the Internet resources decided to conduct a survey among their users. The question was: should you give your child pocket money, or is it better not to do so? As a result, most people answered that it is still worth giving money in small amounts, but it is better to explain how it gets to the parents and how to use it correctly.
"It is necessary to give the child some specific funds for pocket expenses. But it is equally necessary to control what the child spends them on. If the spending is useless, then it will be necessary to have a conversation about finances and their role for a person," says Valeria M., the mother of a five-year-old girl.
At the same time, most fathers believe that if they give money, then it should be in a strictly limited amount: for example, so that it is enough for a snack or ice cream.
Psychologists advise: under no circumstances should children be given access to large sums of money, since almost any child will spend it without any particular need. It is better to give money for a specific reason. For example, a child is going to a friend's birthday party or on a walk with the class. In addition, it will always be better if parents are aware of what this or that amount is intended for.
In addition, you should not tell children that everything in the world is measured in money and costs money. Since the human psyche is especially sensitive in childhood, a child can forever fix in his head the attitude that absolutely everything in the world is bought and sold for money. Any person from childhood should distinguish material values from moral ones, and in no case become a hostage to money.