Belinda Hill Aussie Kids Work For Their Pocket Money Interview

Belinda Hill Aussie Kids Work For Their Pocket Money Interview

When [then] 25-year-old Sydney-sider Tim Bradley moved home to his mum's while in between houses, she said she'd pay him $20 a week in pocket money (he gently explained that he didn't need pocket money anymore, but rather would pay board to his mum). While an extreme case, it appears that most Aussie parents are paying their kids pocket money – although the average age they start receiving pocket money is around six or seven, not 25!

The latest survey from non-bank mortgage provider Homeloans Ltd shows that nearly a quarter of parents didn't start giving their kids pocket money until they were 10 or older, while 13 per cent began giving their children pocket money before they turned four.

The majority of parents who give their kids pocket money do so on a regular basis (weekly, fortnightly or monthly), while around a third give it out as and when needed. And some parents pay it as a reward for good behaviour or performing well at school.

Remarkably, the survey reveals that we are breeding a generation of savers. The majority of survey respondents who pay pocket money said their kids save their money, while others spend it on food/lollies, toys or video games – and, for the older ones, phone credit.

'It's great to see that the younger generation are putting their money away," says Will Keall, Homeloans' national marketing manager. 'Teaching children how to manage their money from an early age and save something every month is an important trait. Saving a little and often will certainly stand them in good stead for later on in life."

But what hasn't changed is how kids earn their pocket money. Most still need to do chores – and those chores haven't changed: tidying their room, making the bed, washing the dishes. Then there's mowing the lawn/gardening, looking after the dog (walking, washing, feeding, picking up its mess), taking the rubbish out, washing, hanging and folding clothes – to name but a few.

'What we also found from the survey that many of the respondents believe that pocket money is expected now, whereas it was regarded as a luxury item when they were kids," says Keall. 'And it appears the kids don't have to do as many chores as their parents did."

And what are kids receiving today?

Of those who do receive pocket money before the age of six, 81 per cent receive under $5 a week. Before the age of 10, more than half (59 per cent) of children continue to receive under $5 per week, but for those aged between 10 and 12, they're more likely to receive around $6 - $10 (49 per cent of respondents). With age comes slightly more money, and the survey showed that for teenagers, more than two thirds (67 per cent) earn $10 a week or more, while over half (52 per cent) of 16-18 year olds are receiving more than $20 a week.

Interview with Belinda Hill

Question: How often is pocket money distributed (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) or upon completion of a task?

Belinda Hill: Weekly.

I try to keep pocket money regular so it educates and provides structure for the kids. And they can save!

Also like to give out a little extra sometimes for treats at school with special market days, canteen, excursions and sporting activities.

Importantly I do also provide extra rewards for showing thoughtfulness and being proactive in helping others in the family and around the house, especially when not asked. Initiative is shown by taking on a task and completing it with no expectations or direction – so will certainly reward this and happy to give an amount of money, just out of the blue and as a surprise.

Question: When did you first begin the pocket money process in your household

Belinda Hill: Around the age of 7 / 8 years of age.


Question: How much pocket money do your children receive?

Belinda Hill: Daughter – age 11 $5 Son age 13 – $10
Son age 15 – $15



Question: What tasks do they need to complete in order to be rewarded with pocket money?

Belinda Hill: Keeping room tidy, making the bed, hanging clothes.
Loading and unloading dishwasher. Taking the rubbish out.
Washing the car. Watering the garden and lawn.
Helping with grocery shopping. And putting groceries away.


Question: What are your children saving their pocket money for?
Belinda Hill: Boys – money towards a car
Skye – a new iPhone



Question: Does a good school report warrant extra pocket money, in your home?

Belinda Hill: Yes definitely.

One of the motto's in our family; Achieve excellence. Do your best, and use your gifts wholeheartedly to develop your excellence. I reward my children for always doing their very best at school and achieving good school reports. I also like to acknowledge their hard efforts and for getting involved in extra curricula activities at school.

My daughter's -love language' is gifts and rewards. So I do use rewards often for her ie: completing homework without being asked.


Question: Why do you believe pocket money is an important educational tool?

Belinda Hill: Teaching kids worth and value. Rewards come from putting in the hard work and doing your best.
Teaching kids to manage money, put it away, save and avoid spending on little things. I believe it's a very valuable educational tool.


Question: What advice do you have for new parents looking at implementing pocket money in their home?

Belinda Hill: To start giving pocket money at an age that works for your family. Not too young, otherwise children won't understand the value or the education involved. Keep it regular and importantly be sure the kids help out, do chores for their rewards.

Question: Did you receive pocket money growing up? If so, how has the amount and process changed for your children?

Belinda Hill: Yes we did receive pocket money. However it was never expected. And we did many chores, my brothers especially.


Interview by Brooke Hunter