My daughter is depressed because she thinks she doesn't have any money and wants an allowance. Should I?

Question

She is 15 and wants to buy stuff when hanging with her friends at the mall. I barely make enough to pay my bills as it is, especially since I haven't had as many shifts lately and don't make much per hour as it is (I'm a home support worker). Under the circumstances what is a reasonable allowance? She hardly does any chores because "they tire her out".

What are some good free activities she can do with her friends?

Answer 1

Ok im the daughter. here to clear a few things up.

First the chores "tiring" me out.. I do some chores around the house, I just cant lift the vacume out of the closte where it is kept and cant carry it upstares. I honestly think I have a problem (like doctor like problem) because I get exhausted really easily and nauseous if I do anything too stranuous. (like in the winter shoveling the driveway - I passed out after a quarter of it) However, dishers are great fun to do because I can listen to music or talk on the phone. (hands free set)

Also getting a job - I applyed for Burger King and had a job interview there a few weeks ago, no response. I also applyed for McDonalds but no response at all. And I want a job more then anything right now. I would love to be able to work (at a fast food restaurant) and get payed.

And as for my mom. I was only complaining because I hardly get any money from her at all. Maybe 10$ a month if im lucky. I buy all my clothing and all my food when im not home. Which is where most of my money goes.. food (sadly fast food -ick- because thats all they serve at the mall) oo and if you're asking "isnt she sick of the mall by now" yes I am, but there is no where else in this place to go for teenagers, so we're all stuck hanging around the mall and the arcade that's there.

All Im asking for is like 10$ or so a week for spending money. Or a certain amout for each chore. that might work.. right.

Answer 2

An allowance is fine, as long as she understands she must complete the chores she is required to do as a member of the household. I suspect that your job and your "chores" tire you out so that excuse holds little weight.

She could also find a job, like babysitting or other jobs that do not have age limitations. I babysat from the age of 11 and I was required to put it most of it in the bank for college.

In terms of free activities, going to the mall, the park & the library can all be a free activities. If she wants to "buy stuff when hanging with her friends" she should have to work for the money so she understands that money doesn't grow on trees. That is a great life lesson to learn and she might as well start early.

Answer 3

I would only reccommend an allowance if she's doing chores around the house. Especially if money it tight. If she does chores, and does them well maybe $10-$20.

Maybe suggest she make a few flyers and post them around the neighborhood or complex for a babysitter if you feel she's responsible enough to look after children. It's summer time and I'm sure there is at least one family looking for a mother's aid or babysitter. She can earn some money for herself, and still have time to hang out with her friends.

As far as free activites, maybe plan a bike riding trip with friends to a local park and have a picnic, window shopping to her a goal to attain if she is interested in babysitting, maintee movies are cheaper than a regular movie and give her something to do during the day.

Answer 4

your daughter needs to find a summer job, and start helping you out around the house. She can find a summer job babysitting, where i live washing dishes, she could also find a newspaper route. Look in the newspaper in the help wanted. I was taught growing up that you'd appreciate your money more if you earned it, and that when you bought something than you'd appreciate it alot more than you would if someone else bought it for you. your daughter says "chores tire her out" shes just saying it to get out of it. Teens are just saying it so they can spend more time with there friends. Have her start helping out around the house by cooking dinner at nights, doing the dishes, sweeping, cleaning, mop the floors, mow the lawn.
Some good free activities they can do, walk around town, ride bicycles, play frisbi, go to the park. Get together and play board games.
And next time she wants to hang out with her friends I'd tell her No, not until her chores are done. She won't like it at first, but she might get used to it. Family should come first.

Answer 5

Nothing is free in this world and that would be the best lesson to teach her. If she wants an allowance, insist she help you out with household chores. Better yet, she can get a summer job or find babysitting jobs. I worked at 15 at the local grocery store. Although the hours and places to work are limited for a 15 year old, it is possible to find employment at that age.

Answer 6

I think you love your daughter, but I'm afraid for you. You have allowed her to become 15 years old without experiencing work. If you take a hard tack on this thing now she'll rebel, and I would understand why. You would be changing the rules in midstream, so-to-speak. Firstly, there might be cause for slight concern.Just because she says that work wears her out doesn't mean that going to the mall with her friends wouldn't. It could just mean that she is willing to "wear out" with her friends. Maybe you can approach this from the point of view of concern for her health. After all, in a few years she's going to want a job and her own money! Maybe she needs to get "in shape". Vitamin C gives energy. If she's anaemic she needs iron with a little vitamin D. Get a few books on the subject. She'll probably resist, but be FIRM! It is a legitimate concern! They both are.

Answer 7

I wouldn't do it if you can't afford it. Tell her to get a part time job baby sitting or something. Let her know that you barely make enough to pay your bills. & if she wants an allowence, she has to work for it just as you work very hard to earn a salary. Show her how hard it is for you to make money and that she shouldn't take it for grant it. A reasonable allowence would be half her age per a week. She's 15 so I would give her $7.50 a week if she works for it.

Answer 8

No chores no allowance! Like your not too tired... gimme a break. She's 15, it's time she starts being responsible. She can go to her school and request a work permit. She can get a part time job to be able to buy the things that she wants. She'll soon have more respect for money and you. Good luck mom, it's difficult.

Answer 9

Sounds like my sister.(shes 14 im 15)

Me myself am a hard worker and chores get done apon request from my parents or aunt who also lives with us. I dont know maybe its a girl thing, but at the age I am at now, I always feel energetic and wanting to do things. Me and my sister dont get allowances because my sister does do her chores or she does them "crappily" (sorry)

As for tiring her out... that a lie... being at the mall walking around takes more energy than having to ya know whip a table down and vacuum.

Sounds like your daughters a bit lazy. Make sure you giving her money though because Ive heard of people at my school not eating lunch so they can buy things. I dont really get it though why the kids in the suburbs do that (were i live now) when the kids in the beat up public schools dont (used to live) And not eating is worse than not having money.

Answer 10

No if she does hardly anthing around the house she doesn't deserve any money. If it's hard for you to pay the bills tell her I don't have enough money for you to have an allowence, and it's not like she's only 11 years old. She's 15! She can get a job!