Pocket money – spend with parental supervision or yours to spend as you wish!

It’s interesting to hear our teens share their opinions, and it’s even more heartening to see clarity in thought.

I recently had a discussion on pocket money with a four teens. Here is an excerpt from our conversation.

Teen A – Pocket money with parental guidance on how to spend it is important. This is their money and they have given it to us believing that we will use it wisely. We are still young and not capable enough to know what’s right from wrong, and hence, having them guide us when we spend on something is natural.

Teen B – By 15 we are mature to realize right from wrong. Our parents are giving us an allowance or pocket money with the understanding that we can make the right choice. They trust us. So I believe that parental guidance is not really required here. Especially when we are talking about small expenses! Also, if we do end up making a mistake, I think we are mature enough to take responsibility for the same. 

Teen C – This is a vulnerable age. We might end up picking the wrong path and I believe parental guidance is needed. Maybe not for everything, but keeping parents in the loop while spending on something, is needed. 

Teen D – This is also an age when we can be influenced by our peers. If we are not under parental guidance, we might end up using our money for the wrong things and then there might be no way out of it. There is nothing wrong is seeking validation for our expenses from our parents. Once we become adults, yes we can make our own choices, but as a teen; it’s best to connect with and confide in parents while spending pocket money. 

So you see, we are bringing up a generation that knows right from wrong, guidance from pushovers and care from dominance. 

Stay tuned for more such excerpts from other discussions.