It’s inevitable that kids grow up and eventually pick up new skills, as well as responsibilities. Part of this includes learning about the management of money.
This usually begins when parents start to decide how much allowance to give their child.
Pocket money is a great starting point for children to learn the responsibility of handling money. But how much allowance are Singaporean parents giving their school-going kids and should the amount change by age?
What to consider when you give your child an allowance
There are many things in life that are better for kids to pick up earlier on, such as managing their pocket money.
Now, we’re not telling to you immediately jumpstart their financial independence. Instead, gradually teach them how they can manage their school allowance.
But before you can hand them a dollar or two, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Your financial situation at home
You should consider certain factors such as your family’s current financial circumstances before setting an allowance for your child.
2. Your child’s age
Is your child old enough to handle money on their own? Are they already capable of learning how to manage their allowance?
3. Your reason for giving them an allowance
Why do you think it’s time to give your kiddo pocket money? Break down what financial responsibility skill you want them to learn from this, such as spending wisely or knowing the value of money.
4. Stick to an agreed amount
Once you decide on an amount, make sure not to hand out extra money so they can learn to budget themselves throughout the week. If they’re old enough, you can also start discussing with them how much allowance they should get.
5. When you want to give them a little extra
There can be instances where you want to give your child more than you agreed on. In this case, discuss whether this will count as an advance on their next allowance or if this is a reward for something they did.
Singaporean parents share how much allowance they’re giving their kids this year
With a brand new year, parents were asked whether they will be increasing or decreasing their little one’s allowance.
Under a post in the Facebook group POSB Parents, parents shared how much pocket money they give their school-going kids per day.
Primary 1: $2
Many parents seemed to agree on $2 for their Primary 1 kiddos. In fact, the amount was mentioned the most often among other age groups as well, with other parents sharing how they continue to give $2 to their child even as they grow older.
Primary 2: $2 – $3
As for Primary 2 students, a mum shares how she hands over $3 to her child for school. While some parents choose to increase their child’s pocket money, it is still up to you whether you would prefer to stick to the amount you agreed on in their previous year.
Primary 3: $2 – $3
Allowance Edition 2025
Deciding how much to give to your little spender is kinda like picking a pizza topping—there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all rule. Some parents cling to the trusty $2, keeping that steady cash stream until the kids hit upper primary. Think of it as a minimalist approach: you’re basically funding a 2‑bucks smoothie and calling it a “war on maturity.”
- Sticking to $2: Plain and simple. Great for low‑budget snack time.
- Changing yearly: Because birthdays happen. Keeps the allowance dynamic and prevents your kids from turning it into a Savings account.
- The Great Debate: Should we add interest? Unlikely budget cheat sheet for the next generation.
Whichever route you choose, remember: the goal is to teach budgeting without making your kids think the allowance is a gold mine. Keep it realistic, keep it fun, and maybe keep that $2 handy for the inevitable splash‑lagging sticker bug.
Meanwhile, others might consider adding a bit to the amount and giving their kids $2.50 instead.
Primary 4: $2.5 – $4
While there were those that shared they only give $2.50 for their Primary 4 child, another said that she has raised her child’s allowance to $4.
One mum even said that she plans to add $1 for her Primary 4 kid as she jokes they are “getting more active and more hungry”.
Primary 5-6: $4 – $5
Cash Tips for Primary Five‑Sixer Parents
When your kid is in the 5‑6 year range, most parents lean toward handing out a modest $4–$4.50 on a weekly basis.
Why the Half‑Dollar Difference Makes a Difference
- Learning to Save: Even a few dollars can spark that excitement of watching a piggy‑bank grow.
- Responsibility Bite‑Size: They’re old enough to keep track, but still young enough that a small budget keeps things simple.
- Teaching Money Habits: This age is perfect to demo “save one half” versus “spend the other half.”
Parents Who Push the Boundary to $5
Some folks are comfy rolling out a full five dollars for that extra budgetary boost.
- “Spend & Part” Mastery: They believe the kids can do more than just count—they can decide where to split the money.
- Mini‑Entrepreneurial Spirit: A penny‑worth of extra currency can be the seed for small projects or saving goals.
- Confidence in Literacy: These parents feel their kids grasp spending and saving concepts well enough to handle the larger amount.
A Little Humor in the Giving
Imagine saying, “Here’s your weekly allowance—think of it as your personal ‘cash in the shelves’ for the snack drawer!” Kids leave grinning, parents sigh in relief that they’re teaching humble financial lessons without making it feel like a big deal.
Either way, the key isn’t the exact dollar count, but the consistent practice of handling money responsibly at a fun, age‑appropriate level.
Secondary 1: $5 – $6
A parent admits that secondary school food is “more expensive” which is why they’ve decided to raise their child’s allowance from $4 to $5.
There are also those who say they give their Secondary 1 kids $6 for their pocket money.
This article was first published in theAsianparent.
Children and YouthparentingfinancePrimary schoolsecondary school