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Teenagers

How to woo my mum into giving me pocket money?

21 replies

keepcalmokay · 11/05/2014 21:26

Okay, so I know it is mumsnet but I'd like to use it to my advantage. I'm 14 yr old girl and I'd like to earn some pocket money so I can do some thing with my friends in the summer and be more independent. I'd like to know how I can sort of, make my mum agree to give me pocket money.
So; How can I make my mum happy before asking, anything you'd like you're teens to do for you?
What sort of jobs - in the house - do you loathe?
Also, any sort of wording when asking her?

  • So thank you in advance and I'll be deactivating this account as soon as answered!. Grin
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StealthPolarBear · 11/05/2014 21:27

Dont you get pocket money at all?

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Giraffeski · 11/05/2014 21:28

Why not just say what you've said here? And ask her, I'm sure there are things she hates doing! If you were my daughter you could do all the ironing.

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gamerchick · 11/05/2014 21:28

do you get any pocket money now?

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ThreeLannistersOneTargaryen · 11/05/2014 21:29

You could ask her...

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joanofarchitrave · 11/05/2014 21:29

Be aware that you can legally take some paid work at your age, so consider whether that might be an option too?

What chores do you already have as part of your normal routine?

Cleaning the bathroom (properly) is something I would pay for.

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rootypig · 11/05/2014 21:32

OP you sound lovely! your post is impeccable.

My daughter is only 18 months so the thought of her being helpful is a distant fantasy. Actually that's not fair, she helps me stuff things in the washing machine Grin

I used to earn money from family (aunts and grandparents and the like) and their friends by doing:
cleaning out cupboards - this is a number 1 loathsome job for the householder, but quite satisfying if you are anal like me.
washing cars (the classic);
babysitting my younger brother and sister - my mum was v good at paying me for this even though they were in bed, because she said she was paying me for the responsibility.

But if you feel able to talk to your mum about it (you don't mention your dad), it may be that she'll be able to afford to give you some money without you doing jobs for it. Lots of parents do.

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YoureBeingASillyBilly · 11/05/2014 21:35

Have you asked before and she has said no?

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YoureBeingASillyBilly · 11/05/2014 21:35

Also, can she afford to give you pocket money?

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keepcalmokay · 11/05/2014 21:42

Yes, we have had a few bits of pocket money, but it sort of just stops gradually, nothing too permanent.

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keepcalmokay · 11/05/2014 21:44

I didn't mention my dad, yes sorry yes he would be involved obviously.

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YoureBeingASillyBilly · 11/05/2014 21:45

Is she short of money sometime and better off at others?

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keepcalmokay · 11/05/2014 21:47

@Sillybilly No, not that I'm aware and I don't want a lot it's just I really want enough money for the bus fare and clothes I dislike having to go up to my mum and asking for money once every so often.

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YoureBeingASillyBilly · 11/05/2014 21:49

Do you have a bank account with cash card? Could your parent set up a weekly standing order into your account in return for some jobs you could do that way you dont have to remind her to give you some?

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keepcalmokay · 11/05/2014 21:51

I'd like to thank you all very much for taking the time to post and I guess I'm just going to ask her soon, but thank you all for the good advice!

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MiscellaneousAssortment · 11/05/2014 21:55

It may be she can't afford to give you regular pocket money?

If its more that it's not a priority for her (vs not being able to afford it), I think you could go to her with a sensible proposal of tasks and ask her how much money she would rate each task as. I'd also explain why it's important to you as part of growing up - she may not see it as important as you can always ask her for bus fares etc. but to you it's important to feel a bit more independent and not badgering her for money all the time.

I'd go about it gently and politely, as pocket money isn't a right, but a privaledge, and you don't want to sound grasping :)

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YoureBeingASillyBilly · 11/05/2014 22:03

Good luck OP.

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AllDirections · 11/05/2014 22:05

If either of my teen DDs was going to ask for something they're far more likely to get it if;

  1. They clear up after themselves (and I don't mean a one off event Hmm )
  2. If they've been doing their very minor chores every day
  3. If they're nice to each other and nice to DD3
  4. If they generally help out, e.g. unpacking the shopping or setting the table WITHOUT BEING ASKED
  5. If they haven't moaned or volunteered each other when I have asked them to do something


That would be a good start OP Grin
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SavoyCabbage · 11/05/2014 22:05

When I passed my driving test I was put in charge of the weekly shop. My mum loved that. She still talks about it now.

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BadRoly · 11/05/2014 22:12

Hi, I pay my 12yo dc1 pocket money straight into a bank account every 4 weeks. It's not loads but enough for cinema/make up/sweets etc.

In return I expect her to do any chores I ask, eg loading and emptying the dishwasher, emptying the inside bins into black sacks on bin night, planning and cooking one meal per week, putting her own clothes away, tidying her room once a week, feeding the cats/chickens, hoovering.

We chatted and agreed yesterday that she was going to start putting on a load of washing and learn how to use the washing machine. The next step is ironing! She is also keen to hit 14 as we have said we will pay her to babysit her younger siblings when she hits that magic age!!

Good luck

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soontobeslendergirl · 11/05/2014 22:27

I'd say what you have said here, that you don't like having to ask for money for specific things and would it be possible for you to get a regular payment so that you can pay for your own things and learn about budgeting and becoming independent.

Say that you know there should be a level of chores that you should do and discuss what you agree those should be. I think keeping your room tidy and maybe one or two other things (dish washer or pet care or sorting the recycling type of stuff). You could then say over and above that are there specific jobs you could do that would maybe earn a bit more? e.g. cleaning out the kitchen cupboards, hoovering the house etc.

If you want to get her in a good mood, I'd do one biggish job to a really nice standard without being asked to show that you are keen to help.

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ISingSoprano · 12/05/2014 15:38

I think it is entirely reasonable to want some money of your own to spend as you please.

Do both your parents work? If you are home before them then stuff like making sure the kitchen is tidy, offering to make them a cup of tea when they get in, getting the washing in from the washing line (or emptying the dishwasher/washing machine/tumble drier) or making a start on the evening meal (preparing veg, making a sauce for pasta) will go down well I am sure - certainly would in this house anyway!

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