Should I Pay My Child for Chores?

Published 2026-05-15

It's one of parenting's great debates: should children be paid for chores, or should helping out just be part of family life? There's no single right answer, but here's what to weigh up.

The Case For Paying for Chores

Linking money to chores teaches a clear lesson: money is earned through work. It can motivate reluctant helpers, introduce budgeting and saving, and give children a sense of contribution and independence. For many families, it simply works.

The Case Against

Critics argue children should help around the home simply because they're part of the family — not for payment. There's also a risk children start refusing to help unless there's money in it, or expect payment for every small task. Some jobs, the argument goes, should just be expected.

A Middle Path Many Families Use

Plenty of parents split it: certain basic jobs (tidying your own room, clearing your plate) are unpaid and simply expected, while extra jobs (washing the car, weeding) can earn money. This teaches both responsibility and the value of earning.

The Alternative: Pay for Learning Instead

There's a third option worth considering — linking pocket money to learning effort rather than chores. Rewarding spelling, maths and reading practice motivates the skills that matter most for a child's future, while still teaching that rewards are earned. It's the idea behind The Pocket Money Game, and our article on teaching the value of money through learning explains the thinking. Many families do both — some chores, some learning.

How Much to Pay?

Whatever you link it to, our guide on how much pocket money by age gives sensible UK benchmarks. And if you're weighing up reward systems generally, do reward charts actually work is worth a read.

There's No Wrong Answer

Chores, learning, a mix, or neither — what matters is that it fits your family's values and stays consistent. Pocket money is a teaching tool; how you use it is up to you.

Turn practice into pocket money

The Pocket Money Game covers spelling, times tables and reading across the KS1 and KS2 curriculum — and your child earns real pocket money for every correct answer.

Free 7-day trial. No card needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pay my child for doing chores?

There's no single right answer. Paying for chores teaches that money is earned through work and can motivate helpers, but some argue helping out should be expected as part of family life. Many families use a mix.

Is it better to pay for chores or learning?

Both have merit. Paying for chores teaches work ethic; paying for learning effort motivates skills like spelling and maths that matter most for a child's future. Some families do both.

How much should I pay my child for chores?

It depends on age and your budget. UK benchmarks suggest £1–£2 a week for ages 4–6, rising to £5–£10 for ages 11–14. Extra jobs can earn more on top of basic pocket money.