So how much is enough? It’s simple. First you figure out the average cost of a movie then add in a few treats while they’re there. Throw in the cost of a CD or two each month, a soda at school once in a while, or a manicure if you have girls and the equivalent if you have boys. Total it all up for a 30 day period then divide by four. Take a look at what jobs they are getting outside the home (if they’re even able to get any) and add to the mix. Triple that total and you have a close estimate as to what they will actually need to survive in even a semblance of what we had when we were their age. Then you look at the stack of bills you haven’t paid for the last two months, empty your pockets to count the lint that’s there (because you sure as heck don’t have any money of your own) and say to your child…"Here’s your allowance for the week…$3.50, just like I had at your age." Then they look at you like you’re crazy as they dial the number for the local looney bin to have you committed. Then you close the door and sit in your chair relaxed knowing you’ve done your job as a parent in teaching your child the value of money.

How much is too much and how much is enough? If the first time they go to see Titanic is when it’s at the theater that shows all movies for a $1.50 because they couldn’t afford to see it anywhere else then you probably aren’t giving them enough. However, if the reason they haven’t been to see the movie yet is that they couldn’t decide which of their new tops to wear with their new skirt while going out to buy yet another CD, then they’ve been given enough but just haven’t learned how to budget yet.