Pocket money can be a battleground for families - how much, how often and what can children spend it on. And money saving expert Martin Lewis has told BBC listeners of a big change being considered in his household.
The 49-year-old was speaking to Nihal Arthanayake on BBC 5 Live on Wednesday (March 2) about people's approaches to paying pocket money and what it was linked to. One listener said they had started to 'pay' pocket money in screen time rather than cash.
Mr Lewis, a father of one, said in response: "Funnily enough, we had that very discussion in my household last night, about a lot of screen time and certain other things that we would like her to be doing... or reading, or practising a musical instrument.
"And we think we're going to start doing that - for every minute you do this, you get a minute of screen time.
"I think screen time is a high-level currency."
Mr Lewis also supported the idea of giving children 'official jobs' titles, based on a listener's call - such as director of dishwashing, chief executive of laundry - with appropriate 'salary'.
The listener Martin responded to was Darren Higham, who had tweeted: "My son is 10 and does various chores (washing up, clean bedroom etc). But we noticed he wasn't that bothered about pocket money (he is spoiled to be fair).
"So we changed it to earning 'screen time' as that is the currency that really means something to him. Result? Never misses a chore."
Other listeners also shared their views on pocket money on twitter in response to the programme.
Mel Stewart said: "I give each of my kids £20 they are 13 and 16… they also have a Saturday job where they help coach little kids football and they get £10 each. We always give them money if they are going to movies, out etc, on top of their pocket money."
Sarah Baldry said: "My kids, 12 and nine, don’t get pocket money at all, just money from some relatives in lieu of gifts for birthdays and Christmas, which they save. They help with chores and receive gratitude/appreciation. They are fed, clothed and happy. Why would they want more money?"
