People can't understand

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
People can't understand
15
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 11:35am

Have you ever noticed that when you are in a mindset of being broke and unable to buy even the simplest things, it's like you're in a different world than everyone else. I recently had a bad experience with a few of my piano students parents. I am having

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-22-2008
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 1:08pm

Parents are nuts (I should know, I'm one!)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 1:38pm

I recently had a similar situation arrise with ds's school.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 1:43pm

What a mature son though! I struggle with how to make my kids understand our situation without making them feel out of control or as stressed as I am. I have a 10 year old, a 5 year old and a 1 year old. All boys. It's hard to know how much to say and their little ears are always listening.


Abbie

Avatar for mahopac
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-1997
Tue, 12-09-2008 - 2:07pm

Abbie, you already received so many wise words, I don't have anything new to add! I completely agree with the idea that trophies for a recital is simply absurd. Our kids receive trophies endlessly just for showing up, and it's silly. The reward for a recital is applause and a sense of personal accomplishment. I suggest that if this comes up again, you say that it's not something you'd like to do, but the parents are welcome to bring flowers for their children or take them out afterwards. Let *them* pay for it if they think a child has to be lauded over and over. Personally, I never did flowers or ice cream or anything of the kind, and with three kids, I've been to umpteen performances and recitals. My kids will comment that they think it's so silly for other kids to get flowers just because they played about as well as anyone else, or for parents to spend big bucks on their kids.

You may never know the influence you have on others by being firm about what you will NOT spend money on. There is no reason to feel badly about it. I know it's made other people *think* when I have said that I don't spend lots of money on Christmas or birthday presents, and sometimes it makes other people volunteer that they don't, either. It's just fine to be one of the people who lives within their means, whatever their means are, and it sets a good example for your kids.

Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-04-2008
Mon, 12-15-2008 - 1:40pm

Parents are nuts (I should know, I'm one!)

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