Last weekend, my kids requested, “can we do something fun like go out for breakfast or dinner.” That’s not really fun in books, but somehow it is for them. Being on a budget, my answer would normally be “No.” This request, however, was a little different. Before I could say no or explain that the money would be better spent on something else, my daughter volunteered to “pay for it”.
I don’t think she thought it through because immediately following the words, “I’ll pay for it” came the question “how much does it cost?” By the time she had enough time to process her thoughts or try to take back the request, I had a light bulb moment! THIS COULD BE A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE. So, we went out to breakfast.Each of the two older kids were asked to take with them, $10. The younger two (5 and 5 Months) chose not to participate.
At the restaurant, each child placed their own orders as they normally would when we go out, except this time they got their own Cheque. Our waitress, Annette, was more than patient with us as the children tried to figure out what they wanted. At the time of placing the order, I informed Annette that I will be covering the tip for the entire table but that the older two children will need separate Cheques as they will be paying for their own meals.
When it came time to pay, having separate Cheques made the process very easy.
This activity was supposed to be a learning activity for the children, but turns out, in the process, I learned a great deal about my children.
Although Z is only seven, he is conscious of his spending. He is willing to sacrifice the milkshake and settle for orange juice in an effort to stay under budget. Whereas as Ami, who is nine, will borrow money but she will not sacrifice on what she wants, even if that means bringing home a to-go container.
