Final Exam Part 3

 Opinion Writing-Allowances

Parents around the world give their children allowances in order to motivate them to do their chores, learn the connection between hard work and rewards, or learn how to be financially responsible from a young age. Allowances can do all of these things very well, but only if done properly. Though allowances are often beneficial, children need to know there are standards they must meet to have get the luxury of receiving a constant allowance.

Behavior is a huge aspect of allowances. Children who misbehave at home or school should not be rewarded with an allowance. Repeatedly giving a child who has a habit of misbehaving a weekly or monthly reward of an allowance is unacceptable and can lead to bad habits. Doing this can lead to children feeling entitled, having bad attitudes, believing they can be rewarded without working hard, and thinking there are no consequences to bad behavior. 

When people, especially younger children, believe they can do whatever they please, they often have a rude awakening later in life. Being given an allowance when kids know they are slacking off with their chores or not behaving well encourages the belief they will be rewarded no matter what. This entitlement can result in bad attitudes and arrogance in kids. Children will latch on to the fact they are able to still get rewarded with an allowance if they are not disciplined and held up to a standard by their parents.

A huge benefit of allowances is that parents can use the opportunity to teach moral values. Allowances show the relationship between working hard and being rewarded. Children learn from an early age that they will be appreciated for always trying their best and working, which is always a good thing. However, children who misbehave and still receive an allowance are unable to learn this lesson because they are being rewarded without having to put in the effort.

Children who get allowances regardless of their behavior may come to think there are no consequences to behaving poorly. As a parent, making the choice of when to give kids an allowance can impact their behavior greatly. Refusing to give kids an allowance shows it's been recognized that they have been misbehaving and not been working to their full potential. Because of their want to be rewarded and praised by their parents, it's likely children will then start behaving better. Consequences and discipline are key in shaping a child's personality.

Before agreeing to reward children with a constant allowance, parents should sit down and discuss how the allowance will be determined each week, as well as the goal in giving an allowance. Families can establish how behavior, chores, grades, and other aspects affect the allowance. This way both the parents and children know the standards that have been set, so everyone is clear on their responsibilities. 

Making sure allowances are being given to children only when they work for it will develop their personality and character in positive ways. Allowances come with the responsibility of behaving well and working hard, and they should not be given to children who do not properly earn them.