The thing is if you keep telling a child that they will get a certain amount when they turn a certain age they will develop a sense of entitlement. And when the time comes you won't have much say about how the money is spent. What if they choose to spend it on something that you don't endorse? I personally don't agree with giving an amount of money with stipulations at that age... if you feel ok about not having any control then I guess go ahead. From my experience large sums are better handled from about the mid twenties onward.... but then some people never handle money very well, especially if they haven't earned it themselves. This is just my thoughts on the issue... not a prescription for everyone to follow. DH as a personal banker has seem many problems arise with large sums given to children pre 25.