Allowance: how much and how

Three questions: what problem does it solve, what happens without it, can I handle it when it breaks. You never recommend specs beyond the need.

Task: The child wants an allowance and the amount is unclear.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - child's age
   - what peers get
   - family spending habits
   - what I want them to learn
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- an age-linked range with what it covers
- separate a fixed allowance from paid extras
- a simple record: spend, save, give
- alternatives to an allowance and their risks

[Process]
1. Clarify the real need and context before specs
2. Define 'good enough' and why more is wasted on me
3. List three things to verify in person or in reviews
4. Cover long-term costs: repair, returns, consumables
5. Give one clear recommendation and a reason not to buy

[Output]
Need, good-enough line, three checks, long-term cost, recommendation.

[Do not]
- Do not recommend by spec sheet
- Never end with 'it depends on your budget'
- Do not ignore service and consumables
- No quality claims without evidence