It's important to only put in what you can AFFORD to put in each week. This will be very different for each family.

Personally I could put in an awful lot. But I choose not to, because I'd rather spend that money on the children and their day to day care and enjoyment, than save for something that they might not appreciate when they are older.

I have told my children that they're off to work when they are 14 - yes 14 - and if they save their income, for every dollar that is in their bank account at the end of their Year 12 year, I will match it. They can use it to buy a car or go travelling etc. And if they get better marks than we agree is appropriate/anticipated, then they will get a bonus amount too. What that bonus will be, will depend on what marks they achieve etc. I think this is a better use of children's bank accounts than putting say $5-$10 per week into the account.

Particularly if you can't really afford it and every cent counts in your current situation. You'd be better off using all your money on things like rent, moving, bills, doctors, food, etc. It's definitely an expense that is unnecessary, IMHO.