Pocket money in blended families and separated couples: how to manage it?

Managing pocket money in a blended family or after a separation can be a real headache. With two households, different visions and sometimes opposing constraints, it's easy to get lost. But with a little dialogue and organization, it can be done without too much difficulty.

1. Clarify the rules from the outset

Children need clear, simple guidelines. How much do parents give? How often? And for what purpose? Discussing these points helps avoid misunderstandings and comparisons between households.

2. Staying on the same wavelength

This is perhaps the hardest part: communicating. But a minimum of dialogue between parents is essential if children are to receive a coherent message. And it helps reduce tensions and misunderstandings.

3. Adapting to realities

Each parent has his or her own financial constraints, and that's perfectly normal. If one can give a little more, the other can balance it out with other forms of attention: outings, activities, time spent together.

4. Include children in the process

Children are often more understanding than you think. Explaining to them why things are organized in a certain way, listening to their needs or desires, also teaches them to manage money and adapt to different situations.

5. Strive for equity rather than equality

It's not necessarily a question of giving the same amounts or benefits in every household, but of making sure that children feel fairly treated. Each parent can contribute in his or her own way.

With a little effort and kindness, we can turn a complicated situation into a great opportunity to learn how to manage money and life in general.