<p>Emma distinguishes spending categories, and parents can set limits: so much for restricted spending at the bookstore (snacks, non-essentials, toiletries); so much for cash withdrawals; and unrestricted spending (up to the balance in the smartcard acct.) for books and school supplies, transportation, etc. </p>
<p>Depending on family budgets and what students are expected to buy (if they run out of shampoo, laundry detergent, etc. is that a parent-stock-up item when home, or do they live far enough away that such expenses need to come out of discretionary spending, e.g.), the numbers above seem reasonable. We also do $30, divided as $10 for school store (used in general for snacks or bevs after school), and $20 pocket money, for off-campus spending. GG usually has carry-overs and will save for a couple of weeks in order to “splurge” on some event. Babysitting money, gifts, etc. supplement.</p>