Re-training myself when it comes to spending on the kids

**themartins903** · 06-09-2008, 10:17 AM

Every trip to Walmart used to be little things here and there and I blame myself for buying the kids something each time we went.

We estimated about 50.00 a month solely for miscellaneous things that we bought the kids each month.

If you changed your spending habits, how did you break it to them, etc.

We're having the family meeting tonight and just going to briefly go over some things.

**latierra84** · 06-09-2008, 10:41 AM

I keep my kid brother and sister most weekends and I've found that just talking with them and being honest helps alot. We'll go to the store to get groceries and most of the time, they'll help me hunt down the best baragain (price per ounce/pound). Sometimes they're just kids and don't think about money or prices, but I'll remind them to look at the things in the cart and how all of these things cost money. Also, of all the toys/games/movies that are already at my house that are waiting to be played with/watched.

**grneyegrl** · 06-09-2008, 11:14 AM

OMG i just spent 70.00 in walmart to day..most of it was junk for my mom.i got 2 shirt for 5.oo each,1 2pk universal remote a pair of sunglasses for 8.00 and a huge pack of animal crakers for snacks(will use small baggies) and make my own snak paks..

i have not been to the store in a long time and not plan on buying clothing until the 7/4 clerance racks are out.. oh and i got a turtle neck for fall/winter to wear under my scrubs..

ugh

**inneedofhope** · 06-09-2008, 07:55 PM

I talked to ds about saving the $$ for bigger things, like a new TV eventually, and that helped for one trip. He has to be reminded alot. My parents always did the small allowance on grocery day, and we didn't ask for more. That system might be helpful.

**Wendy99** · 06-10-2008, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by themartins903

Every trip to Walmart used to be little things here and there and I blame myself for buying the kids something each time we went.

We estimated about 50.00 a month solely for miscellaneous things that we bought the kids each month.

If you changed your spending habits, how did you break it to them, etc.

We're having the family meeting tonight and just going to briefly go over some things.

We dealt with this same issue this year. I have 6 year old twins who of course love to "make a choice" at the store. I found it better for me to teach them the value of a dollar. They now have their own money (I jump started it with $5 each for a good report card and they also have tooth fairy money, easter money from grandparents and occassionally I'll give them a couple dollars here and there). My son wow he's a saver and has over $25. My daughter, she's the spender and has $5 (and thats only because she left it laying around and I hid it up on top of her wardrobe to teach her to take care of her money, we'll magically find it one day soon). My son has learned the value of things quicky. He'll go to the store and want to make a choice he'll pick a match box car because they are 30 cents cheaper than a hotwheels car. He'll ask when we are out if he can have a milkshake, I say "Of course you can, but you'll have to use your money". He says "I choose no then". So he understands the value of money and that things don't come free. My daughter is learning "the hard way". She spends hers then pouts in a store when she can't get something because I tell her she has no money!! Hard to watch, but I know she'll get it eventually. They are only six years old, but I really believe it's never too early to teach the value of a dollar. I heard somewhere that it is recommended you give your child 1 dollar per year old (ie. my are "suppose" to get $6 each a week). I can't afford that and I think that is way too much. Mine get maybe $5-$7 a month most times (if that). My next step is getting them a bank account where they save some in the bank (and watch the interest grow, as little as that may be) and save some at home to spend on what they choose.

**themartins903** · 06-10-2008, 11:08 AM

Great idea Wendy!!

Our children have the same ideas almost. My son is a saver and my daughter is a spender!

I'll start incorporating that idea to them about saving their money.

**shortstack** · 06-11-2008, 08:15 PM

I haven't read any of the other posts.
I hardly ever take my kids on my bi-monthly trip to Walmart. If they go with me I ended up getting nickle and dimed to death. The plus for them is that they hate to go anyway so they see it as a treat to stay home lol

Andrea

**earthymom** · 06-11-2008, 09:20 PM

I applaud you. It's not easy to break such habits. And it will be harder for you than them. Children are remarkably good at adapting to new rules and situations -- particularly is they have an explanation that makes sense to them. We as parents naturally want to indulge our beloved children. It's hard to say "no" sometimes.

But its also good to teach them that resources/money are limited and families have to think and work as a team.

We started a "savings jar" when my kids were young and included them in decisions about how it would be used. So I would explain, for example, that this week we had x$ to spend on groceries. If we spent less, we could put the difference in the jar (and we made a near ceremony about putting it in the jar too). If they sold some toy at a garage sale, they could keep it for themselves or put it in the jar. They really wanted to go to Sea World. So we figured out how much it would cost for the whole family and made that our goal. Every time they wanted some "treat" like candy at the grocery store or some cheap toy, I'd remind them about our jar. If one child was having trouble deciding between that match box car or candy bar and the "jar", the others would cajole them into saving for the good of all. Having a shared goal that's rewarding for all really helps.

**twins0516** · 06-12-2008, 07:09 AM

I have problems with this too, so I am trying to keep all of us from going to the stores. Right now we are on a spending freeze!! Except for gas and food.. Good luck!