You Said It - November 3, 2003

There are students who top the class and students who manage to pass. Majority, however, are in between — average, with a potential wanting to be unleashed; talent waiting to be discovered. Talking to students from UAE's schools, we will address issues that underlie the anxieties, aspirations and aims of today's children. Issues that affect their physical and emotional well-being, academic and extracurricular performance.


Today's question:
Pocket money — Do they get it, is it enough, what do they do with it?

Reaba Rebecca Thomas
Standard XII, Our Own English High School, Sharjah

You see, the two smartest people in my house (my parents) have devised a system whereby I get incremental pocket money if I do well in my examinations. However thanks to the increase in the CBSE syllabus, my pocket money has dwindled.

I usually spend my pocket money on things that my parents refuse to buy, like Archie comics. I also like to buy latest music cassettes and CDs and the new spine-chilling mystery novels. But the biggest drain on my pocket money is birthdays — they seem to pop up unannounced and uninvited.

However, I feel that pocket money is something to be preserved and cherished. So when I do get it, I try not to spend any. Every time I go shopping with my dad, I always develop amnesia and forget my purse at home. After all what's my dad's money meant for, if not for my spending?

Akshay Joshi
Grade X, The Indian High School, Dubai

Well, I do not get pocket money. At present whenever I need something, my parents buy it, but after reasoning it out with me as to why I need it, or whether I really need it and so on. Because you see, one has not only unending needs, the nature of one's needs also keeps changing. Then, besides needs there are wants. Now while I do get most things that I need, I may not get everything that I want. And when I am denied things that I want, I do feel angry at that moment. But I usually see reason and see the logic behind my parent's decision. Since I will have to take my own decisions soon enough, I think when the time comes, I will ask myself: do I really need it or merely want it? And hope I will make the right choice.

Sowmya Karun
Grade XI, Our Own English High School, Sharjah

My dad is of the opinion that I have got a hole in my pocket — all the money he puts in there seeps out. However, considering the fact that he doesn't put much money there in the first place, the point will have to be dismissed.

I do get pocket money, but contrary to my dad's stand, I hardly ever spend it. I don't think spending it is putting it to the right use. The other day, Iasked my dad for a mobile. He asked me to buy it with my money .I was bewildered! I hadn't thought that a day would come when I will have to tell him, "Dad, come on, money doesn't grow on trees!"

After much consideration, I have narrowed the issue down to one principle: save your pocket money, spend your dad's!

Saleh Yousef
Grade XI, Al Khaleej National School, Dubai

My father gives me Dh30 at the start of the day, which I put into my wallet. I only take Dh10 to school and keep my wallet at home. After I come back from school, I either put the remaining money (if I have any left) in my wallet, or I usually order stuff from the supermarket. Sometimes when I have saved enough money I buy video games, may be once every two months. More often, I watch some good movie. The rest of the money is saved for future plans — like a laptop or computer. I really don't like to waste money — it is valuable, isn't it?

Anshu Nicodemus
Grade VIII, Delhi Private School, Dubai

Sometimes when a child wants to buy something of his choice, the parents say, "Why don't you collect your pocket money and buy it." Though the parent's idea is good, boys are impatient. Yet, it can be lots of fun collecting.

I too get pocket money. But I'm impatient because I only get pocket money in these conditions:
If I get above 90 per cent in exams; if I do a stage show; if I do a magic show; other positive things;

For the last stage performance I did with a famous South African Band Midnight Blues, I got Dh100 as reward from my parents. The thing I am saving money for now is a walkie-talkie with a range of two miles. The set costs Dh264. I no longer waste money on small silly things. I have now saved Dh236.5 and am looking forward to buying the walkie-talkie.