I wish it were true, son

If you are anything like me, you get tired of your children constantly asking for stuff. It’s not that I don’t have the money. It’s that I don’t necessarily want to spend my money on the items they want, or the things they want to do. OR, I don’t even mind that. It’s just that I’m tired of them asking for SOMETHING every second of the day. So, I give them my standard response. You know the one. The one where you say, “I don’t have any money.” You hope to evoke understanding or sympathy in your children. Maybe then they won’t keep asking.

I will never forget the day about a year ago - The kids and I were driving in the car. Hunter had asked me for something – I can’t remember what. I threw out the “I don’t have any money” line. And Hunter replied, “Why don’t you just go to the bank and get it with your card?” And I said, “I wish it were that easy, son. “ Ahhh. I couldn’t stop laughing at that one.

At the risk of sounding cliché’, kids DO believe money grows on trees. Read #5 in the post below to see how we are beginning to teach our kids a little fiscal responsibility.

Our children are so blessed. They are not spoiled, but I do think sometimes we need to awaken their eyes to the many things that they have. Maybe they see us acquiring “stuff,” and think that is what is important in life. We teach them so much without even talking to them, don’t we?

Jay and I have talked about getting the kids involved in hands-on charity. We try to talk to them about those less fortunate. But is it enough? What are you doing to teach your kids about money? Do you have any words of wisdom for me or other readers?