"Mom, can I buy this for myself?" - a question that almost all parents know. Whether it's sweets at the supermarket checkout, the cool sneakers that "everyone has" at the moment or smartphone costs: money plays a major role in the lives of children and young people from an early age. This is exactly where pocket money comes into play - an easy way to teach your child how to handle money. But how much is appropriate? When should a child start receiving pocket money? And what is a sensible rule for the amount of pocket money?
Many questions arise as soon as parents become more involved with pocket money for children. Is a fixed amount per week better than monthly? What recommendations are there? How many euros per month is age-appropriate? Making the right decision is not always easy - but it is important. After all, pocket money is more than just a bit of money in your pocket: it conveys values, boosts self-confidence and encourages responsible spending and wishes.
In this guide, you will find out what you should know as a parent about pocket money, rights and useful practical tips - and how you can give your children a good feeling for money from the very beginning.
We'll help you find the right investment for your child!
Why pocket money is important: More than just change for sweets
Imagine your child wants to buy something - perhaps a new game, some stickers or a present for their best friend. Instead of asking directly, they reach into their own pocket, count the coins and think about it: Is that enough? Is it worth it? These small moments are the start of something big - the responsible use of money.
Pocket money promotes independence
With their own pocket money, children and young people make their own financial decisions for the first time. They learn how to make ends meet with a certain amount of money, how to save and which purchases are really important. This not only strengthens their self-confidence, but also their ability to set priorities.
💡 Infobox: Learning success through pocket money
- Planning: "How long do I have to save before I can afford it?"
- Compare: "What can I get for 5 euros?"
- Weighing up: "Do I buy something small now or save up for something big?"
Financial education starts small
Especially in times when digital purchases, in-app payments and contactless payments are part of everyday life, it is all the more important that children develop a real feeling for amounts of money and their value. Pocket money makes income tangible - visible in their wallet or current account.
Many experts, including the DJI (German Youth Institute) and the savings banks, emphasize how important handling money at an early age is for later financial literacy. Even six to ten-year-old children benefit from small, regular amounts - as part of a conscious learning process.
Pocket money strengthens trust between parents and child
If you give your child pocket money regularly, you are showing them: "I trust you." They get the chance to make their own experiences - including small bad purchases or failed savings goals. But this is exactly what creates a valuable learning effect. Mistakes are part of the process and are not a step backwards, but an important part of the journey.
✅ Tip: Praise your child when they save money themselves or consciously do without something. This not only strengthens their behavior, but also their confidence in their own abilities.
Pocket money is therefore much more than just a few euros a week - it is a real building block for a self-confident and financially savvy future.
How much pocket money makes sense: guidance for all ages
If you're wondering for the first time how much pocket money your child should receive, you're not alone. Many parents are unsure: Is a few euros a week enough? Or should it be a fixed amount per month? The amount of pocket money depends on several factors - for example, the child's age, the family's financial situation and whether certain expenses (e.g. smartphone costs, school supplies or clothing) already have to be covered.
Recommendations provide orientation
Reliable pocket money recommendations come from the German Youth Institute (DJI) and savings banks, among others. They provide concrete values that you can use as a guide:
📊 Pocket money table (recommended values):
6 years: 1 to 1.50 € per week
8 years: 2 to 3 € per week
10 years: approx. 15 to 18 € per month
13 years: around €25 to €35 per month
16 years: 40 to 60 € per month
These figures show: The older your child gets, the higher the pocket money can be. It's important that your child grows as their responsibilities increase - teenagers aged 13 or 14 in particular benefit from learning to manage a monthly budget.
Weekly or monthly - which is better?
A weekly payout is ideal for younger children of primary school age. This way, they don't lose track and experience a sense of achievement more quickly. From around the age of ten, you can then switch to a monthly arrangement - as preparation for their own income later on.
✅ Tip: Discuss the amount and rules of payment with your child so they know exactly what they can rely on.
The right amount of pocket money is not an exact science, but with a little sensitivity you are sure to find the right solution for your child - and give them a good sense of responsibility and control over their own money.
Rules are crucial: How to handle pocket money successfully
At first glance, pocket money seems simple - a few euros a week or euros a month, that's it. But for your child to really learn something from it, they need a clear framework. Because only with the right rules can pocket money become a real learning environment.
No reward, no punishment
A common mistake: pocket money is linked to behavior. "If you clean your room, you'll get your money" - or, conversely, "You've behaved badly, so you won't get anything this week." Such statements send the wrong signals. Pocket money is a learning tool, not an educational tool.
⚠️ Important: Your child will only learn the value of money if they can count on their pocket money.
Speak openly - and help shape it
Discuss with your child how much pocket money they will receive and what it is intended for. For example, should it also be used for smaller purchases such as sweets, school supplies or gifts? Then it is helpful to plan this together. Budget money can also play a role here - for example, if your child gradually takes on responsibility for clothing or leisure expenses.
💬 Tip for parents: Write a small pocket money agreement together with your child. This creates commitment - and is a good opportunity to talk about wishes, priorities and how to deal with consumption.
Making mistakes is part of it
If your child spends all their money on a toy that is boring the next day - no drama! Such experiences are important to reinforce the learning effect. Small bad purchases in particular promote a long-term understanding that money is not unlimited.
With loving support, your child will gradually become confident in handling their pocket money - and in life.
Children and money in everyday life - real stories, real learning effects
Every child is different - and yet many children and young people have very similar experiences when they are allowed to make their own decisions about money for the first time. Whether it's the first major purchase, a long-saved favorite toy or a small bad purchase: dealing with money becomes tangible through real experiences - and that stays in the mind.
Pride through savings targets
Lena, 10, has been putting aside 2 euros every week for months. Her goal: a new skateboard. At first, the price seemed huge - but with a little patience, a few extra euros for her birthday and consistent saving, she managed it.
🎯 Lena's conclusion: "I was so proud when I finally bought it - and I take really good care of it now!"
Such experiences strengthen self-confidence and the feeling of self-efficacy. Children learn: if you keep at it, you can fulfill your wishes.
Impulse buying? Quite normal - and valuable!
Tom, 13, spent his entire monthly pocket money on in-game purchases in an app. After two days, his enthusiasm was gone - but the money was gone.
🤷 Tom's insight: "Now I really need to think twice before I buy anything."
Especially in a world where advertising and digital offers are omnipresent, this learning effect is priceless. Parents can use such situations to talk to their child about value, availability and responsibility - without reproach.
Because whether it's a success or a mistake, both are part of the process when children learn how to handle money - and take their own small steps towards independence.
Invest4Kids: When pocket money becomes a real future
Anyone who deals intensively with money sooner or later also thinks about the big picture: How can I provide for my child financially - beyond pocket money? This is exactly where Invest4Kids comes in. Because while your child learns to save with a few euros a week, you can make provisions for their future in the background - simply, flexibly and with real benefits.
Focus on your child - you stay in control
Invest4Kids is Germany's specialist for children's investments - with over 5,200 families who already trust in the concept. You can get started for as little as 25 euros per month and invest in ETFs that match your goals exactly. And what's special: Even when your child turns 18, you as a parent retain the right of control - an important protection against spontaneous spending or ill-considered decisions.
🗣️ Experiences of satisfied parents:
"It was important to me that my daughter didn't get everything in one go at 18 - with Invest4Kids I was able to arrange exactly that." - Nina, mother of a 15-year-old
"The free consultation helped me to keep my head above water in the financial jungle. I feel really well looked after." - Markus, father of two kids
Security, flexibility and real benefits
Whether you want to protect your conditions against tax changes, no custody account or transaction fees, or the option to flexibly adjust single payments and savings rates - Invest4Kids thinks with you and grows with your family.
💬 Tip: Simply ask for a free consultation. Together we'll find the best solution - so that your child not only has pocket money, but real opportunities later on.
In this way, the euro in your pocket today becomes the foundation for a self-determined life tomorrow.
We'll help you find the right investment for your child!
- An additional $25,703 per child, thanks to our modern ETF strategy
- Find the perfect ETF investment for your child in a 30-minute video conference from the comfort of your own home.
- Sit back and watch your child's assets grow – our experts will take care of the rest.
Achieving great things with little money
Pocket money is much more than just a bit of change - it is the start of a conscious, independent life. Giving your child the chance to handle money not only teaches them the value of things, but also responsibility, planning and self-confidence. If you combine this daily routine with a long-term investment such as Invest4Kids, you create a stable foundation for your child's future. This is how you show: I care - today, tomorrow and for what's to come.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about pocket money
- When should my child start receiving pocket money?
From around 5-6 years of age, experts recommend small amounts (e.g. €0.50 per week). - How often should pocket money be paid out?
Younger children should be paid weekly, from the age of around 10 it makes sense to pay monthly. - Do I have to stick to a certain amount?
Use the pocket money table as a guide - but adapt it individually to your family situation. - What can my child spend the money on?
As freely as possible - this is the only way to really learn how to handle money. - Is there a legal right to pocket money?
No, but according to §110 BGB (pocket money paragraph), children are allowed to dispose of small amounts themselves.
