Many kids do housework such as doing the dishes, making the bed, and folding the clothes. In exchange, they get some money or computer time.

Paying kids for housework is one of the most popular topics, especially at a time when everyone is more careful about money. Some parents think since adults are paid to do their jobs, 我们应该为日常的家务向孩子付费。

But some people don’t think kids should get a reward(报酬) for doing housework. Susie Walton, an expert, believes that by rewarding kids, parents are sending a message that work isn’t worth doing unless you get something in return. “Running any kind of housework is a team effort,” Walton said. “A home is a living space for everyone in the family. It’s important for kids to see that we all have responsibilities in the house, and family decide how they want their home to look, and how they are going to keep it looking like what they want.”

Other people believe that getting a reward encourages kids to do housework, and it also teaches them real world lessons about why we need to work to get money. There are also apps that give kids points and digital gifts that can be redeemed(兑现) either online or in the real world. “Our goal is to give kids lawful power so they can get rewards,” says Chris Bergman. “And kids need rewards to help encourage them.”

I am Sally. I live in a small city. My husband works two jobs and I just stay at home to take care of my only child. He likes cooking, so we take turns making dinner. But I never ask him to do much. He always works hard to give us a better life. All I ask him to do is to take out the rubbish and clean the cat box when it isn’t clean. They all take less than five minutes so they don’t waste too much time.

Today we had something more than normal days because I spent all yesterday cleaning the house. I asked him if he would mind taking the rubbish out to the dustbin (垃圾箱). And then he came back with “The dustbin isn’t that far of a walk, you know.” Not a big thing, but it was that I did a lot to make sure the house was clean. I knew he was saying “You’re lazy for asking me to do one small thing.” But at that time, it just made me a little angry. He is a very nice man. But sometimes what he does like this time really makes me want to hit him.

This made me wonder: Is it normal for everyone in one’s home to help out around the house? It’s true for me to have a trouble.

Students’ opinions on pocket（口袋）money

How much pocket money do you get from your parents every month? What do you often do with your money?

We asked three British middle school students for their opinions on pocket money.

Ruth Sawyers

I get 5 pounds from my parents every week. I usually save 1.5 pounds and spend the rest.

Generally, the two things I like to buy with my pocket money are tracksuits（运动服）and trainers. I try to get the same stuff（东西）as my friends.

I don’t really think about getting a raise. And I don’t usually talk about pocket money with my friends at school. If some people’s parents give them too much pocket money, other children might get jealous（妒忌的）. It’s important not to show off what you’ve got.

Maya Varsani

I get 6 pounds from my mum and 8 pounds from my dad every month. I try to save and buy presents for my family. This year, I bought my mum a lipstick（唇膏）which cost 9.5 pounds, for Mother’s Day.

I also often spend my pocket money on CDs. I like the idea of having my own money to spend.

Jimmy Segalov

My mum gives me 10 pounds a week. She says I can either spend it at the school canteen or she will make me a packed lunch（and then I can spend the 10 pounds on whatever I want）.

I like Nike trainers. If something costs 50 pounds and I only have 40 pounds, my mum might give me 10 more pounds. Sometimes, I have to do some housework to earn the extra money.

I know some parents can’t afford to give their kids much pocket money. Therefore, I try not to talk about my pocket money at school.