by Selena Xu  (age 9)

What is the ideal allowance? Well, first of all, being able to use the allowance my parents give me is important, because what’s the point in having money if you don’t spend it? Some people say we should not spend our allowances and save it for the important moments, but I think kids should learn how to spend their money first. After all, it’s your choice to decide what you want to do with your money.  I were a parent, I wouldn’t let my child to bring money to school unless they were told to by teachers. If he/she were more mature, then I might trust them. Although I recommend to spend some of your money on stuff you like, it does mean you can buy 1000 erasers to put in a collection, or to buy plenty of sweets. You could buy those thing for emergency cases like if you have no more food and if you don’t have an eraser when your whole class is against you.  Using the allowance might be fun, but using it without purpose is wasteful.

Personally, I would be happy with $5  a week.

If a parent gives $100 to a child and told them to spend it as they want, what do you think they would buy? If the kid was young and likes being a glam, then he/she would buy useless clothes and accessories (no offense to those kinds of kids), if the kid was into gaming, he/she might spend it all on a certain game.  What kids needs to know is that money from parents is not free, it might be their money from work, or their money saved in a safe bank account for you. No matter what, use everything wisely.

Sometimes, parents think that we don’t have self-control. Actually, I think with parent’s correct instruction and mentoring, we can have a lot of self-control. If I had money, I wouldn’t buy 1000 erasers, or buy sweets, I will let my good side choose. I would buy some jewelry and make-up; I would give myself some books, and our favorite food we like to eat. I recommend all children to buy something you want, but something you need at the same time. Remember, that everything is not a test; it’s an opinion for you to choose.

by Selena's mom
As a parent, we don’t trust little kids to spend money. I have an experience where I volunteered at my daughter’s school for a ‘Move-A-Thon’. Most of the kids spent all their money on getting glow-in-the-dark sticks, headbands and flashing rings. So I think kids don’t know enough about responsibilities to spend money.

As a mom, I think it is the parents’ responsibility to teach their child how to spend money. Teach them the correct procedure how to buy things that are needed.  I think children are too young to spend money on their own.

For example, if they receive a gift

card from Walmart; ask your child what they want. Most children will give a bunch of ideas of what they

want. So parents will bring children to Walmart and check the price, then let them calculate how many money they need to spend. Of course, it will not be enough because kids always ask for all they want. This is when we teach them about the difference of “want” and “need,” and help them cut off some ideas down. Last, ask them to do research and compare prices with other similar products at a reasonable price. Then you can buy the thing they want and at the same time, teach them how to save money. Teach your child that saving money can grant them the opportunity to buy bigger items in the future, such as electronics. Let them know, the more time they wait, the more money they get. Make sure they keep saving until they have a large amount of money, then let your children know how to open a saving account. It’s a good idea for your children to save and use money.

Hi! I’m Dea. I’m eight years old. My younger sibling, Angie, is seven. To me, having a sibling is a bit of a problem. I’ll give you four reasons: number one, we fight a lot. Two, she is twenty months younger than me and I know a lot more than her, so it is hard to explain everything to her. Number three, well…three words: SHE IS ANNOYING! I bet my mom has a hard time trying to get us to get along. Number four, we always try to tell on each other.

But, even though we fight a lot and she gets really annoying some times, Angie plays with me and shares the bed with me. She is a great puppeteer when we play with dolls. When we are at home, she is my only friend! I am creative with designs and she is creative with drawing. I love scrapbooking and she loves drawing. I love music in school and she loves art! Having a sibling may not be so bad after all. It has good and bad sides. But I wouldn’t want to be the only child; I’m lucky to have a sister to play with.

By Ellen Chao (Dea's Mom)

As a mother of two girls, I am no stranger to sibling rivalry. I lost count how many times I have divided the M&M’s into precise equal portions or bought each girl a new dress when only one really needed it. Experts say typically sibling rivalry worsens when they are close in age (a year or two apart), and it often increases further between two children of the same sex. Well, I am in luck; my girls are twenty months apart.  And they are very different. As I joked to a schoolteacher who has taught both of my girls: “Same manufacture, completely different products.”

My first born, Dea, is very adventurous, bubbly, and has a quick grasp for things. Her younger sister, Angie, is sensitive, artsy, and introverted. So their personality clashes are constant. Lots of times there is one girl in tears, or both are mad complaining about the smallest thing. It can be frustrating and tiring at times, especially when you have work or household chores lined up to get done.  Having to drop everything and play referee is one way out. I also try to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips I have learned over the years:

• Set limits. Give clear messages about how you expect your kids to behave toward one another before arguments arise. “That’s a rude thing to say to your sister, do you want to be treated the same way?”
  
  

• Teach the children to view things from their sibling’s perspective or their parent’s perspective. Ask them to imagine to step into their sibling or parent’s shoe, and ask them how they would handle the situation. Often times when they are calmer and think back, they realize they have to be sensitive to each other. 
  

• Try not to make comparisons. Each child is born differently. Although it is very tough to not think things like “At the same age, her older sister could tie her shoes already,” or “Why can’t you draw pictures with details like your sister,” each child has her unique strengths and weaknesses.
  
  

• When possible, let children settle their own differences.  If the kids expect parents to always resolve their problems, then they are not learning the skills of conflict resolution on their own. When you do get involved, try to be fair and listen to all sides of the story.
  

• Teach kids “Blood is thicker than water.” Friends come and go, siblings are forever. Your brothers and sisters are your live-in support system.
  
  

Being a mother is the most challenging job I have had, and it doesn’t come with a job description or a menu. You try your best and play it by ear sometimes. Hopefully I am not damaging my children too much.