2003-03-05 - 9:36 p.m.
PITY MY CHILDREN
I could tell you that sometimes being the children of two lawyers is not easy but I have decided to show you. To understand, you must know that Mr. Philately and I had a very hard time agreeing on the rules for children when it came to money. So, we negotiated and then wrote up an agreement. While the amounts have changed over the years (and I have not updated them), the basic agreement still holds. Here it is:
- Allowance for children is $9.00 when school is in session and $4.00 during weeks when no school is in session.
- There will be no advances on allowance.
- If a child wishes to buy an item costing $10 or less, she may do so as long as that item is not harmful, dangerous, illegal, or immoral and she has the cash on hand.
- If a child buys food that she brings home, the food must be stored in the kitchen. The child's name will be placed on it. The usual snack rules concerning when a child can actually eat it apply.
- For items costing between $10 and $25, a child must announce what she intends to buy a week before she actually buys it and must have the money on hand at the time of the purchase. This rule does not apply if:
- The item is clothing and a parent or grandparent suggests splitting the cost of it; or
- The item is clothing and a parent, in his or her discretion, waives the rule. This exception does not apply if the child continues to nag after being turned down the first time; or
- Purchasing the item is a necessary part of a parentally-approved recreational activity.
- For items costing over $25, a child must announce what she intends to buy a month before she actually buys it and must have the money on hand at the time of the purchase. This rule does not apply if:
- The item is clothing and a parent or grandparent suggests splitting the cost of it; or
- The item is clothing and a parent, in his or her discretion, waives the rule. This exception does not apply if the child continues to nag after being turned down the first time; or
- Purchasing the item is a necessary part of a parentally-approved recreational activity.
- Stolen or lost money will not be replaced.
- A child needs permission to take money out of the house. For safety reasons, parents may restrict the amount of money taken and how it is carried.
- Parents will pay for basic food, clothing, school supplies, school field trips, organizational dues, and other fees for stamp exhibiting, dancing, diving, and other similar activities. Parents will pay for family recreational activities that they propose or agree to as a family event.
- Children are responsible for paying for individual recreational activities that cost $5 or less. For individual recreational activities costing $5 or more, the amount children pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In making the determination, parents will consider how much the activity costs, whether the activity is one of an organized group to which the child belongs, and the possible benefits of the activity to the child.
- Children are responsible for paying for school lunches. A child may bring lunch from home instead. If a child makes her lunch the night before there is no charge. If she makes it in the morning, there is a $.75 charge.
- At least one-eighth of allowance should be set aside for charity. This money will be placed in a separate place. At the end of the year, each child can chose the charity to which her charity money goes. This rule does not apply to earned money although children are encouraged to do the same with earned money.
- At least one-fourth of allowance should be set aside for long-term savings. This money will be given to Dad to put in the child's bank account. This rule does apply to earned money.
LAST YEAR: Not Real Hibernating Season
LAST FIVE ENTRIES:
The Return
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Sad Day in the Neighborhood
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Copyright 2006 by Ellen |
