The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-13
Children's Use Of Money
A Problem of Sensible by Profss.er
VIM J.. N. J.s
Expsrienee With Chidrs


The plan which most parents follow in
the giving of money TO the children is 10
have no system at all. While it will gen.
orally be acknowledges that this is not
best, yet most plans of which parents know
are so cumbersome that ii seems impossible
for busy parents to find time to carry into
practical use any plans so complicated and
requiring so much time and thought.
Some parents feel that no child should be
given any money at any time. This will
certainly be the easiest way for parents;
for If children know they will never be
given any money they will not bother their
parents for it. They will probably worry
them, however, by their demands for other
rewards just as often. 1t is just possible
that these rewards will be harder to grant
and less valuable than money as an educa-
tional factor.
Against the custom Of having no method
may be urged certain objections which
every parent should thoughtfully consider
1t tends to train a child to obtain desired
money by teasing If not by dishonesty. II
is apt to blunt his feelings of delicacy and
give him the feeling of servility. The money
being received at uncertain times is sure &c
be spent without careful consideration OF
its use or value. Under such plan the boy
has no reason for taking care of his money,
as he is likely to have more at any time
AS he receives II Unexpectedly he has nc
time to make any plans or to arrive at any
conclusions after deliberate judgment
There is no reason to practice self-denial
as he may have more to spend tomorrow.
If he especially desires more he knows he
will have a good chance to secure it by
persistent teasing, If not by some worse
method.
A REGULAR ALLOWANCE.
Some parents wisely insist that the bet
ter way is to make a regular allowance to
each child, no matter how large or how
small the allowance may be. Almost every
parent does give some money to each child.
This plan simply requires that 1t be given
regularly and in business-like way. Sure
ly such plan has some advantages worth
considering.
BY giving a regular allowance the child
may be taught the right use of money. than
which few things are more important fol
the child's future happiness. Much of the
misery In this life is the result, not so much
Of the lack Of money as of its improper and
improvident use. How many never learn to
live within their incomel How few early
realize the Importance of laying aside some
thing for the inevitable rainy day. Is not
the whole pathway OF life thickly strewr
with the wrecks caused by not having
learned the necessity of spending less than
the income?
The child who knows he will have a GER
<o;n alo
tical wisdom. forethought, economy and
business judgment as will greatly surprise
his parents. He will be strongly influenced
to be careful of his money. as he will learn
that 1t will not be replaced until certain
time
Teach children the right use of money and
you will have done much to make the men
and the women of the future less liable to
become loafers, paupers and criminals. You
will have done much to teach them econ
omy, not only of money, but Of time and
energy as well. You will have taught them
to be thrifty and orderly in all business and
prepared for adversely. If these things are
true, is not the subject worthy of most care
full consideration by every parent?
AN OBJECTION RAISED.
regular allowance is found I'm the fact that
children are likely to feel that they are
given only that which is due them. While
there is some truth in this argument, yet
il may easily be met by having 1t under
stood that the allowance is dependent on
such conduct as the parents have a right
to expect. 1t may thus be used as a strong
incentive TO proper conduct.
Another objection which may be urged is
that IL the parents give regularly they lose
the great pleasure which comes from the
child's grateful appreciation OF what he re-
ceives Unexpectedly. However. this objec-
ton may be met quite easily also. At un-
certain times the parent may very properly
give additional money for exceptional acts
worthy of praise, or for work done or foI
no reason whatever except the desire to
show a loving consideration of the wishes
of the child There are many times when
every child will be very anxious to have
certain things. which could not be pur.
chased by what could be saved from the
regular allowance. IL the parent approve
the purchase. there Is every reason for Civ.
ing a child additional at such times.
Even IL these objections could not 81
easily be met, most parents would agre,