Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

Have you ever noticed that kids have a built in capability to be very hungry and "need" everything when you take them shopping?  I swear, if our family drives within 100 feet of a restaurant their radar goes off and they are soooooo hungry even though they just ate lunch an hour ago!


My husband and I want our kids to understand the value of a dollar, so last weekend we attempted to do just that -- teach them the value of a dollar.

We went to the local Outlet Mall and gave each of our three children a set amount a money, above and beyond their normal allowance.  We turned the outing into a contest to see who could get the most bang for their buck as well as shopping for needs versus wants.  First place was a $5 gift card to a place of their choice, second place was a day of no chores and third place was an hour later bedtime.

We were pleasantly surprised by the outcome of the "game", particularly for our oldest two children.

My husband trailed our son most of the day giving tips and advice on what was a good purchase or not and I trailed our daughters. 

The following are some of the positive results from our experiment...

• At the end of the day we asked our kids if they shopped more wisely since the day had been turned into a game of sorts.  They felt they did, so in my estimation a little competition wasn't bad.
• After shopping in a couple stores, I noticed my older daughter gravitating toward the sale racks more frequently.
• Our son shopped with the future in mind as he made purchases based on things he would need as he starts his soccer season soon.
• The kids were more selective in their purchases knowing they had to stretch their dollars.
• As a parent, it was nice not to keep handing out my money at every turn.  And it was really great not having to say "no" to every request all day long.

I'm certain my kids are not cured of their wanting mentality, but I do feel this was a great learning experience and it will be one of many tools we use to continue to teach them the value of a buck.

 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?  (Proverbs 17:16)

Ultimately, our goal is to teach our kids that money doesn't bring happiness, it is simply a tool that God entrusts to us to bring glory to Him and to bless others.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

On a side note... our youngest daughter, who is seven, basically had a fun day of shopping.  She did get some great deals, but I'm not sure she yet understood the mission behind our experimental shopping trip.  And in case you were wondering, our son took first place in the needs versus want category and our oldest daughter took first in getting the most bang for her buck... she saved a whopping $92.02!!