In the Nowell house, we give a weekly allowance. This is more a matter of financial survival than a "teachable moment" vehicle, but the net result is some really good lessons.
And, complete and utter score here, we've seen a dip in "I need ____" and an uptick in "I'm saving for ____".
Except the poor, poor Babe. He just couldn't seem to catch a break.
So, he's utterly hooked on purchasing GeoTrax, the ultra-cool, "Every kid has them, so I need them, too", train toy by Fisher Price.
Now, those of you who are parents read the words "Fisher" and "Price" and collectively went "cha-ching". And, you were right.
Our rule for allowance is that you get a total, weekly, equivalent to your age. So, Babalicious gets $5, split between four jars: church (10%), spending, short-term savings, and long-term savings (30%, after tithing, each).
Do the easy math and you realize he's pocketing $1.50 weekly. Plus, if he already has $1.50 in his short-term savings jar, another $1.50.
In other words, the vast difference between the cost of a Happy Meal and my monthly budget to feed a family of five.
He's griping about this fact that *whine* "I can't buy anything" when he realizes "GUM. Maybe I have a shot at gum. Maybe I should ask?!" And so, he does.
Babe: "Mom? Can I buy gum with this money?"
Me: "Yes, honey. You have enough."
Babe (fist pumping in the air): "YES." And off he runs to tell* his brothers. Who, naturally, ignore him because Phineas and Ferb are into something really cool.
But, victory is his. And, for another week, ours.
Until he runs out of gum, that is.
*Actually more an excited SCREAM that deafened dogs in Brazil, who are still wondering "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"
No comments:
Post a Comment