I wanted Lucy and Elsa to understand money a little better - you know, to help them understand that mom doesn't buy them everything, not because we don't have money (although sometimes that is the case) but because money means choices. Some things cost more than others and some things take more sacrifice and some things should be treated a little more carefully because well, if they broke, they would cost a lot of money to replace. I want them to realize the cost behind things. That money can be great and fabulous and freeing if you understand it and have self control, but also money can bind you down and destroy families and cause contention if you become obsessed with it or don't have self control. I don't want misers, but I also don't want children who feel entitled to everything. I want girls who show gratitude, work hard and feel more ownership.
So, we talked about tithing, savings (for the older years) and the extra funds (ie - spend however their 5 year old heart desires) categories. We talked about what chores they have to do because they are part of our family and what jobs they can do to earn an extra quarter or two. My little entrepreneurs also brought up other ways they can earn money (cotton-candy sales and lemonade stand). We talked about maybe having some goals about something big we want to save for. Elsa mentioned saving her money for Disneyland and Lucy mentioned going on a boat.
Then we finished and Elsa asked if I would take them to the store tomorrow to buy some toys with their "extra" money. I asked, "What about saving for Disneyland?" She said, oh, I'll start that later.
Then they had to pay me each a quarter for pouring themselves a bowl of fishy crackers and wasting it by adding water to it (I did make them eat some before they got too soggy).
Then Lucy and Elsa didn't want to clean their room or playroom and were about ready to pay me $4 to do it for them ($2 each) before they saw the error of their ways.
And Elsa had to pay Lucy a quarter because Elsa was a very slow cleaner. (Such a difference from last year. Elsa was my go to cleaner - but now it's Lucy).
Then Lucy had to pay Elsa a quarter for hitting her.
This money thing is going to be good, but it's going to be a long process.
And this post has no pictures because everyday is exhausting, especially this one.
1 comments:
I give my older girls a ticket for chores or just taking care of their own responsibilities. Some things can earn more than 1 ticket but most are just 1. Every 10 tickets = $1 for them. It's been great.
This weekend I took them to the store to spend some bday gift card money they had. Mackenzie spent the whole shebang but she was asking how much each thing was and ultimately bought a Barbie, a watch, and 3 books. I thought she did a good job deciding how to allocate her money. Kaitlyn hardly bought anything. I said no to a few things (like more stuffed animals and baby dolls) and so she decided to just get a couple little things and save the rest. She bought a kick ball and post it notes and a watch. She almost bought these very expensive v-tech toys for her little sisters. It would have taken all her gift card. And she was going to do it til I checked the age on the toys and they were too babyish. Anyway, it was a good lesson for them as well. They are catching on slowly. I even made Mackenzie pay me $10 for running up charges on the TV at the hotel. She didn't know so I made her pay me half, but I held her to it because I didn't want her to think it was ok the next time.
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