JLS dad Aston Merrygold explains unexpected way he'd get his kids off screens

JLS star Aston Merrygold is encouraging UK parents to turn pester power into an opportunity for kids to earn their pocket money this summer.

Dad-of-three Aston, 38, says: Get your kids to earn some pennies to buy something of value to them, be it sweets or football cards. It teaches them the value of money.

Beat Again singer Aston, who lives in Hertfordshire with his wife, Sarah, 42, a dancer and choreographer, and their children Grayson, eight, Macaulay, five, and Riley, two, says his eldest son started getting pocket money just before he turned seven. But Grayson had to work for it.

He explains: As soon as he got out of bed, wed make sure he made it. After he had a shower or a bath, wed have him pick his towel up. Now, he will help me do the gardening. Or if I'm washing the car, hell help. He gets stuck in, because he knows that theres a reward.

We give him 1 for the big jobs, less for the little ones. And he can watch it add up. Its earning while learning.

NatWest Rooster Money's 10th Annual Pocket Money Index reveals that pocket money has increased year on year to an average of 9.74 per week. But its encouraging kids to embrace the great out-chores - getting outside and away from screens, like Aston and Grayson, to make their pocket money.

Aston says: We're consumed by our phones. So any avenue that can slow that down and encourage human interaction instead is great.

With chores, we can encourage kids to go outside, not always be hunched over in front of a screen. Its getting involved with nature, and burning some energy, letting the imagination take over. Im not fully against screens. But, at the same time, we have to have that balance.

And Grayson is more than happy with the arrangement. He says: Outdoor chores are better, because you get fresh air and you can earn more pocket money doing them. Last time, I got dad wet when I was cleaning the car and we had a water fight!

Pocket money teaches you that if you want something, it means you have to work for it. And you learn to save up instead of spending it all at once. I use my pocket money for video games or going to the shop. Sometimes I save it up - I actually have 10 at the moment! Dad says I can spend it on what I want, because I earned it.

*For more info, see https://roostermoney.com/pocket-money-index-hub/

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