(Actually, it's burning a hole in the Duff beer can the husband received several Christmases ago as a silly stocking stuffer that has since been commandeered by The Boy as a piggy bank. He runs around yelling, "Mine beer! Mine beer!" I suppose this still is preferable to his keeping money on his body for safekeeping.)
We've explained to The Boy what money is, but of course he seems to only about half understand. I'm sure it doesn't help that he has change and the odd dollar bill, but sees the husband and I using little plastic cards when we buy groceries or gas or just about anything else. The problems of modern life. Anyway, we told The Boy we would take him to the store -- "We go to Tar-GET?" -- where he could choose something to buy with his money, both to continue the financial lessons and under strict orders from Grammy to let the kiddo get something fun.
I'm a bit excited about this shopping expedition. I'm curious to see what The Boy picks. So far, in conversations, he's said, "I'm just gonna buy balls. Balls, Momma," and "Maybe we get trucks?" and "Yeah, OK" when I suggested Play-Doh.
But I'm also a little apprehensive. The Boy sometimes loses his shit when faced with a choice between playing cars or Legos at home. What is he going to do when he can only get ONE ball, not six? I do not want to deal with a full-on meltdown in the middle of Target's dollar section.
Any tips for teaching kiddos about money and choices without screaming fits?
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6 comments:
Good luck! We always have to explain to the kids exactly how much they have and that they have to look at the price tag and see if they have enough money or not. It works pretty well with the older two (just turned 5 and 3)
Am forgetting about your solicitation for parenting advice in lieu of laughing at, "Mine beer! Mine beer!"
Bwahaha!
OOH, I can use my teaching expertise here. When you're in Target, I would select several items that are within The Boy's price range. Then, I would give him a choice from that. That way, whatever he chooses he will be able to have. It's a win-win!
My kids are a bit older (3 and 5) so they understand but I think even had I started this system of mine earlier (http://peterspartyof5.blogspot.com/2010/01/no-nap-quiet-time-pennies-oh-my.html) I would have used the same technique when it came to shopping for the item the get. Like Sarah and Devan said, narrow it down and have him choose. Give lots of reassurance that next time he can have the other (by then he'll probably forget) if he starts to freak that he can't have both. So far we've had wonderful experiences when it comes to shopping.
ALSO, I've pulled a few things up online and they've chosen that way and then we just go get that one thing without browsing for other things. And one time it was an ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins after dinner rather than an actual toy.
Good luck!!
Thank you, ladies, for the advice!
I agree with k. I like the "Mine beer! Mine beer!" Somehow after spending college years with your husband, I am not surprised.
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