Our kids each get allowance. Early on in my career as a teacher I found a direct correlation between the kids who knew how to count money and kids who get a regular allowance. The ones who get money are usually a little better at counting it, at budgeting, at understanding the value of money, at creating connections between counting by tens and using dimes, learning fractions and understanding quarters. It’s not a huge leap. Gigi and Jude both began their allowances at three. They get half their age in money each week and earning money is loosely based on participating in family life (getting napkins, feeding pets, cleaning up). We found, though, that our kids never had the money we gave them for three reasons:
1. They didn’t know where to keep their money so couldn’t find it ever.
2. We never had cash on hand to give to them.
3. When we did give them money they would lose it. So. Ridiculously. Fast.

At first I was all like, “Natural consequences…”. But then I started getting mad. I really wasn’t giving them my cash that I worked for so they could lose it!!! I could happily find another way to spend that six bucks every week.

Then one day we found this:

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Fake money! If they lose it, it’s gone, but I still have my six bucks! Then I did this:

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It ain’t purdy, but we haven’t lost a cent since using these baggies. Presently we are saving for Disneyland. Before vacations we offer our kids the opportunity to double down on anything they save. So far, Gigi is sitting pretty at around 80 to spend in the park and Jude will have about 50. This is do much better now!


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