Children And Money....

Oh yes. I remember saying "it is only x amount of money" when I was at the store with my mom many times as a child. My parents personal favorite that we laugh about today is whenever I wanted something and they told me they did not have the money I would always come back with well then write a check. I had no concept that you had to have money in the bank to write a check. I simply thought a check book was access to unlimited money. lol.

Yep I hear ya! I've been trying to explain why mommy patrons rummage sales... Mommy can buy say for the amt of the OP's stocking .... $6..... I can buy depending on the rummage 6, 12, or 24 items or up to 60 if they are .10 ea INSTEAD of the ONE item. BTW.... I found HM Tee's for as low as $3.99 @ Kohls on clearance ;) I've also found them for $3 a few mo's back @ WM.

I think that a great way to put that in perspective is when they ask for things like that take it as an accolade to the parenting that you are doing. You have managed to keep them innocent of both the serious understanding of the very adult concern with money and the stress that it causes. They also are obviously unaware of how much budgeting and going without you have to do to make every penny stretch. When they grow up they will remember that they didn't have maybe everything that they wanted but that mom made sure that they didn't want for anything. They certainly won't feel like they were deprived of anything. The season is not just supposed to be about giving, it is about them your family. It sounds like you are doing a good job with them. Slowly teaching them the value of money, compromising where you can with your children, and not spoiling them. Enjoy them though. These young years go by so fast and all they leave behind is the memories. Enjoy your family and your holiday season singlemommy.

Kids these days have very little concept about the value of money... i was like that when i was small... and it is only when i started getting my weekly allowance did i realize how important it is to just buy what i needed... My daughter is only two... and as early as now... i am trying to teach her that we cannot afford everything that she likes... and good thing that she is slowly beginning to understand this...

Its sad that kids don't appreciate the value of a dollar. I hate to think of the disappointment they will feel when they realize how far...or short their pay checks actually take them. Some people never learn this lesson. An old banker once told me that it doesn't matter how much money a man makes, he will always spend 110% of it.

I have a 7-year-old that is just now starting to catch on. My husband is recently unemployed and I am a stay-at-home mom... needless to say, things are TIGHT right now. We've been spending VERY sparingly and already expressed to her that we are going to spend time together on Christmas - and that is what will be special about the holiday. It's unfortunate that the economy is forcing us to teach our young children about money and bills and paychecks so early on... I know now that I, too, grew up in a "poor" family - but I didn't know it as a kid. There are just so many things today on tv, newspapers, etc that temp our kids to want, want, and want some more... as parents we have to step in early to explain the difference between want and need and the value and importance of money.

my kids r the same way, something that may seem so cheap usually adds up for us! i'd rather buy toilet paper for 6 bucks then a stocking! lol

Yes, My grandchildren are just begining to understand. What has helped them most is having an allowance and saving their money and then when they buy something, they see what they have left. Merry Christmas...

I remember when our sons were in elementary school and they thought we were made of money and they wanted this and that. And when they were in their teens they wanted every Nintendo Game there was. We told them they had to save for it, but kids just do not understand that we are the Santa, there is no mythical person who comes down the chimney with the gifts.

My son used to be the same way, but he has really gotten better about it over this past year. Mainly because he has learned more about money. He has been crushing our aluminum cans and getting the money for about a year now. He also earns some money here and there helping out around the house. Now that he has to spend HIS money on most things he wants he does not spend quite so freely.

Yes, it's funny how they think that way. My son is like that too. He's starting to understand a little bit now, i think. When we go to wal mart or some place he'll ask for something but if i say no he's like okay mom. Or he'll be like 'mom can i have ____, or do you not have enough money for it this time?' lol. Sometimes i do feel bad though for not getting him things. i mean because he's a good kid & does good @ school. I know he has a lot of things alreay but i remember being a kid & wanting things too. And even as adults we want things too you know.

Yes, but the more you teach them, (like you did :), about the value of money and the reality that there is not a never-ending supply, the better off and fiscally responsible they will be as they grow up!