Saving and making ends meet with the money available is not that easy. Children first have to learn how to handle money - the earlier, the better. Pocket money helps to introduce children to the topic in an age-appropriate way.

But no way! It is advisable to talk to your child about money from an early age. Financial education starts at home when they start school at the latest. This is the right time for the first pocket money. Small amounts of money for free disposal offer your child the opportunity to learn early on what it means to spend money or save money to fulfill their own wishes. This can only succeed if your child is introduced to the topic step by step and in an age-appropriate manner.

You decide how much pocket money to give your child - depending on your financial situation and the number of children. It is important that the pocket money is paid at reliable and regular intervals so that your child can plan with it. The amount of pocket money should be based on your child's age, but should not be tied to any conditions. At primary school age, pocket money is initially paid weekly, then monthly as your child gets older. The longer your child has to manage the available amount, the more challenging the task.

The following pocket money table gives you a general indication of what amount is roughly appropriate at each age. The graduated amounts are based on a recommendation by the German Youth Institute. The amounts can, of course, be varied to suit your parents' budget.

The basic rule is: pocket money is for practising. Your child can decide for themselves what to spend the money on. Whether it's sweets, comics, fast food or music: let your child have their way. Initially, the budget may be used up immediately or spent on a bad purchase. Stay calm! Pocket money only has a learning effect when your child realizes that they have to spend their money wisely. Incidentally, the freely available pocket money should not be used to finance school supplies, clothing or other everyday items. The situation is different with larger personal wishes. It must be worth saving for a special game or item of clothing out of the ordinary.