I see no reason not to give her an allowance. Each child is an individual and THIS one wants an allowance. Just discuss with her what she wants the allowance for and make a budget for it. Does she want to buy herself some snacks during the week? She can have an allowance snack. Does she want to pay for other things as well - find out and figure that in. Teach her about short term spending and long term saving. You can introduce the concept of setting a bit aside each week for charity as well. I think an allowance gives kids an introduction to personal finance. What could be the downside? By the way, Don't use the allowance for discipline. The allowance should be a learning experience for budgeting and so on. Use other things for discipline.  Sarah Chana