We have a big night out planned, which I've been looking forward to for a few months. We're taking our oldest son to see Star Wars in Concert -and while I'm super excited about going, I'm also anxious about one thing: the gimmicks they try to sell you when you go to anything these days.
We're having dinner with my husband's parents at home (cost: $0), and the in-laws are watching the little one (cost: $0). I assume we'll have to pay some crazy rate for parking ($20.00?). Enter the gadgets, t-shirts, lightsabers, and jedi watchamahooozle -all overpriced, and all directly in the line of sight of the 5 year old.
I'm going to explain calmly that there are going to be a lot of things for sale there, but that we aren't going to be buying anything tonight. My son is actually pretty good about that kind of thing...but...I'm afraid that the temptation is going to be too much for him, and we're going to have to try and manage a very disapointed little guy.
Big Night Out
July 21st, 2010 at 05:17 pm
July 21st, 2010 at 05:29 pm 1279733398
To me, this would be a perfect allowance learning example (adding to your last post). If the kids are really insistent on something like that, we'd look at the price and ask if they really wanted to take that money from their piggy bank. No matter what their decision is, it's a learning experience.
Maybe this is why I don't get the negative stigma of an allowance. Very early on they are learning, "If you want that, YOU pay for it." What's the alternative? Mommy and daddy buys you whatever you want? An allowance makes money more finite, in some regards.
OF course, saying no/dissapointment, is a good learning experience, too.
July 21st, 2010 at 06:41 pm 1279737672
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:34 am 1279794873