How to Stop Buying Everything Your Kids Want
When times were good, did you buy your kids all the toys they asked for? A lot of us made that mistake! Well, now the economy stinks, your budget is a disaster, and you can not give them everything (well, ANYthing) they want. What to do? Just follow these easy steps.
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Instructions
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Learn to say "no." The problem is not just about reining in your impulse to spend, it is also the values that you have, and the values you want your kids to have. Start by not feeling bad when you say "no." You must practice saying "no" over and over - believe me, it gets easier! You don't need to explain, you don't need to stress or yell, just calmly say "no." Make this your habit.
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Spend time, not money. Spend the time playing with your kids, with the things they already have.
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Turn off the TV. This is important, because it immediately gets rid of a lot of the ads that are targeted directly to your kids, so you are not hearing the constant refrain of "I want that!" (This will help you spend less, and will also help relieve the stress you have been feeling over saying "no.")
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Stop going to the stores - especially don't go to toy stores! If you have been shopping for recreation, you need to cut that out immediately. Andif you are not in the stores your kids will not be saying "I want that."
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Tips & Warnings
Take that money that you're not spending and pay down debt or bank it!
Resources
- Photo Credit A Pinchy original.
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Comments
View all 12 Comments-
jenng
Apr 13, 2009
Great ideas on how to stop buying everything your kids want 5* -
apalmer
Mar 17, 2009
I hadn't had TV in years. I let the kids have it over the winter months and I hate it. However, all I have to do is warn that their will be no earned TV time and blam...they get up and get busy doing chores. Great article! 5*
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gatunibi
Mar 04, 2009
I totally agree! I see people complaining about money but still buying toy for the kids to add to the big piles they already have!!!5*
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kskaggs
Mar 03, 2009
Good tips. Thanks for sharing. 5*
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Simone Pierre
Feb 27, 2009
Great advice ones I have been using since my kids were toddlers.5*
