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It’s on sale!
By sandi | April 9, 2009
“My mom bought us Bingaroo’s and they weren’t even on sale!” ~ Annie
Annie told this to her teacher yesterday when she had sharing time. The item she is refering to is Bendaroo’s and I did buy them for them because I loved them as a child. They were not on sale and I thought the girls would like them, which they do.
The teacher shared this quote with me when I picked up Annie and some other Mother’s overheard it. They thought I was brilliant because I have set up this precedent that we don’t buy things unless they are on sale. In their minds this led to far less grumbling at the grocery store when the kids wanted Pop Tarts. It is true my “it’s not on sale” does make the kids move on and not whine over getting some junk food, but moreover it sends a message to my children that they can wait for things. They know Pop Tarts go on sale from time to time and they know I may allow them to buy them when they do.
In this culture where everyone has to have everything now and they are willing to take on debt so that they can have whatever is the latest and greatest thing, I think that the most powerful thing I can teach my children is to wait and save. To spend their money frugally and to look for good deals. To make sure they are spending their money on something that they really value.
When they have a couple of dollars they spend it how they see fit, which currently pertains to buying Littlest Pet Shop toys or candy. That is perfectly fine with me because in the end it is their money. After they eat the box of Nerds they bought, or any other candy, I ask them if they felt it was worth it. Most often they say “yes” and that makes me happy. I am glad that they are spending their money on something that is of value to them. I could force them to save or force them to spend it on something worthwhile but to my mind they wouldn’t be learning to listen to and work through their own desires.
Topics: Annie, Quote of the Day | 4 Comments »
April 9th, 2009 at 10:43 am
okay — I LOVE the Bendaroo commercial on the website. It reminds me of the Sham-WOW guy!
April 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Good life lesson! I’m sure my youngest would mention coupons, too!!
April 10th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
awesome, a GREAT lesson to learn early.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
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