Justice among children in giving them money

Question:
He says: I have three children who ask me for money, and they are not equal in their requests, so I give each one what he asks for, and some of them get more than others. Is there anything wrong with that?

Answer:
The standard is not what the child asks for; that is not permissible. The standard is need. You give each child his need, because this is part of financial maintenance. There is no doubt that the maintenance of a young child is not like that of an older one. So if you give each one his need and do not give him anything to possess, but only what he consumes and spends for his need, there is no harm in that, even if there is a difference between them, because a young child is not like an older one, and needs differ. As for giving him what he asks for, no, that is not permissible. He may ask for a lot, more than his need.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.