When Should You Start Giving Pocket Money and Clothing Allowance?

When to start giving your child money is entirely up to you as a parent. However, having a guideline can be helpful. On average, children in the Netherlands start receiving weekly pocket money at age 6, starting with a small amount that gradually increases over time.

Also Read: Pocket Money: When to Start and What is Normal for Each Age?

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Most parents begin giving their children clothing allowance when they enter secondary school, typically at age 12 or 13. At this age, it is beneficial for children to take on more financial responsibility, and many teens start developing a greater interest in clothing.

By providing a monthly clothing allowance, children learn to budget, as the money is meant specifically for clothing. This budget teaches them to make choices: should they buy that cool T-shirt this month or save for a new pair of sneakers?

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Clothing Allowance by Age 🎂

The amount of clothing allowance you give depends on your child’s age, but other factors also play a role:

• What should your child pay for? Just basic items like pants and T-shirts, or also underwear, socks, shoes, and winter coats?
• What kind of clothing is your child used to? Do you usually shop at affordable stores, or do you typically buy brand-name clothing?
• How much can you afford to give, considering your own financial situation?

According to research by Nibud, an independent financial foundation in the Netherlands, parents spend about €70–€80 per month on clothing for a 12-year-old.

The average secondary school student receives €50 per month in clothing allowance. This amount is mostly intended for “fun” clothing, while parents often cover essential items like underwear, jackets, and sportswear. To avoid misunderstandings, make clear agreements with your child about who pays for what.

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Tips for Giving Clothing Allowance

The cost of car insurance depends on several factors, including the type of insurance, the car’s age and value, the driver’s age and location, and any no-claims bonus (discount for accident-free years).

Here are some helpful tips for parents when starting with clothing allowance:

• Provide the allowance at a fixed time, such as once a month.
• Decide on the rules for lost or damaged clothing: who will pay in those cases?
• Stick to your agreements. Always give the same amount and follow the rule that once the money is gone, it is gone.
• If your child wants to buy something expensive, discuss saving or finding ways to earn extra money.
• Remember, the purpose of clothing allowance is to teach your child financial responsibility. Do not use it as a reward or punishment.

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Keeping Track of Expenses 📒

As your child grows older, starts receiving clothing allowance, and takes on more financial responsibility, having clear insight into their spending is useful. Grassfeld’s free app is an excellent tool for this. Within minutes, you can create an account together, and most transactions will be automatically categorized.

The app also helps with setting savings goals (like saving for that new pair of sneakers) and creating budgets to avoid overspending. Download the free app now from the App Store or Play Store.