Trying to teach our kids some life lessons

Sunday, July 27, 2008

About six months ago we began giving our kids allowance. We did this for a few reasons: a) We wanted to teach them the value of money ...how to save, how to pay tithing, the fact that money doesn't grow on trees, etc. b) Our other motivation was partially selfish as this put an end to the begging and pleading that would begin the moment we entered a store. We could now say, "You are more than welcome to buy that if you have enough money."

Paige had been saving her money for something big and had been doing pretty good. She had saved quite a bit and was constantly asking us for more jobs that she could do to earn money. She even planned a garage sale so that she could sell her old toys and increase her "nest egg". (She learned quickly that people are looking for a deal at a garage sale and aren't willing to pay $4 for broken princess toys.)

Finally the day came that Paige decided to go to the store and make her big purchase. She loaded her money into her purse and headed off to Wal-Mart. After much debating, she finally picked out a cute little puppy (because you just can't have enough stuffed animals). The real "plus" was the carrybag that it came with and the "necessary" accessories. Katie figured she had enough money so they put it in the cart and went to check out.

After Katie had purchased her items, it was Paige's turn. She put her new prized possession up on the counter and the clerk rung it up. The total came to just over $14 and Paige began counting out her money. At around $10 the money ran out and the tears began. Katie was thinking: "This is great... just imagine the wonderful lessons that I will be able to teach her......you don't always get what you want, delayed gratification, crying won't give you more money, etc." The clerk in the meantime was a bit flustered and had the expression on her face that seemed to say, "Come on lady. Just give the poor kid $4 bucks so she stops crying." But no, Katie was going to take advantage of this teaching moment.

Just then the manager came over to see what was the problem. Paige explained through tears that she didn't have enough money. (Again, Katie thought a great lesson was in the making.) But then the manager said, "That's okay. We'll just make it on sale so you have enough money". What!?! Can you do that? Isn't that against the rules?

Needless to say, Paige got the puppy and returned home very proud. She ran in to show me her new purchase and explained (summarizing the lesson that she had just learned), "Daddy, I cried so the lady put it on sale." So, this is the lesson she learned: If I cry, the lady will put it on sale and I will get what I want.

In the end, Katie and I have to thank Wal-Mart for giving us job security. If she learns some of these important life lessons to soon, we won't have anything to teach her later on.