A potential battleground, you know you have to help your child towards independence by giving them some pocket money. But how much is too much, too little, how often? Here are some ideas.

How much?
One of those impossibly difficult questions. It's no good asking your children - they're sure to tell you that every other child in the known universe gets more pocket money than them. You could base your decision on one of the surveys into pocket money which appear regularly in the media. But these findings, based on interviews with children, must be taken with a very generous pinch of salt. Children are never at their most reliable when grumbling and/or boasting about their spending power. Before deciding on how much you give your children, clarify what the pocket money is supposed to cover.

How often?
You could evade the problem by simply giving them a hand-out as and when the need arises. But the great advantage of a regular allowance is that it gives children experience in managing their own financial affairs. Although it's difficult not to offer unsolicited advice, it's always best to allow your children to spend their money in whatever way they choose. They, too, are entitled to the luxury of a little unfettered retail therapy.

Many children take on jobs to earn extra pocket money. This can teach them self-reliance and prepare them for working life. But if kids are earning money, make sure that any paid employment conforms to the legal requirements.

Surveys of pocket money
A survey conducted in 2001 revealed that Welsh children receive an average of £2.48 a week - that's less than children anywhere else in the UK, where the average for girls was £2.90 a week while boys got £2.72.

One BBC report says that:

• 29% of boys and 20% of girls spend all their money in the week that they get it
• 29% of boys, but only 12% of girls, work up to two hours a week doing chores to earn money
• Over 30% of pocket money is spent on sweets and chocolate.

The girls seem to have the better deal here!

Another BBC report includes children's opinions about pocket money.