D.G.
I second Dave Ramsey. My kids are on "commission," not alllowance. They "work, get paid; don't work, don't get paid." Commission means "to give authority," whereas to make allowance for is to "make excuses."
And yes, somethings are just basic chores, others like homework or piano practice, they don't get any money for, but will lose $ if it's not done. There are certainly things they do "just because," you just have to decide what things those are. I know it all sounds a little hard core, but it is a great program & my girls are learning to be responsible with money, to "save" about 10%, to "give the same & to have money for spending, as well.
I wish I'd learned these lessons at their age. It would have made my previous 35.5 "pre-Dave Ramsey" years much more fruitful!
Good Luck! Be consistent, whatever you do!
D.