Economy Talk with your kids?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2008
Economy Talk with your kids?
5
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 9:37am
Are you talking about the current state of the economy with your children?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-17-2008
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 9:57am

I have...mainly in very simple terms because my kids are 10 and 8...but we talk about things being bad everywhere for people and how we all have to cut back on some things...But it is a good conversation anyway because I wrap it up with saving energy, turning off lights and wearing a sweater, etc.


We havent had to cut back on activities thankfully....but I tell them that they cant do everything they want to do....so they must make careful choices....we also are taking a shorter holiday coming up...cutting back from 4 days to 3 and we tell them why.


I also try to get them to think of things that they can help with....they have ideas like selling old stuff at the thrift shop if its still good quality, repairing clothes before they get too bad to repair (especially knees!) and making pizza at home instead of eating it out.


I think it is important to talk about these things with children...they dont need specifics but it empowers them and teaches them that every bit helps.

My Kids and Me in Northern Ireland 2008 - The Giants Causeway ** Sue

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My Kids and Me in Northern Ireland 2008 - The Giants Causeway ** Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2008
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 12:51pm

Last week I yelled at my 10yo daughter

Avatar for ang2gals
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 1:41pm

Yes, I definitely discuss w/both the girls but esp Rachel my 12 yo tween, the whole wants vs. needs issue. That I don't care if all her friends have cells, texting plans, iPods, laptops, etc she isn't "entitled" to those since they aren't part of basic needs such as food, housing (i.e. the mortgage) & utilities.


Also I have no issues w/continuing to say no, its actually DH who will give in more readily than me. Personally I did w/out those electronic gadgets just fine....I have issues w/giving my child a more expensive cell phone than I have (to me that just doesn't sit well at all).

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Avatar for sesamemom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 4:31pm
I've always been honest with Sherina; if we couldn't afford something, I said so & told her we'll see how much money we have "later" (with "later" being a set time, like in a few days, or when Daddy gets paid, something like that).
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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2005
Tue, 10-14-2008 - 4:41pm

Kurt is more up to date on the state of the economy than I am. He reads the newspaper more than I do too. Sometimes I have to ask him what is going on. Shame on me!!

Anyway, when we discuss it, it isn't in terms of everyday things. This is the first year that I've made any sort of half decent income. Prior to this, we've always been poor - like real, 'way below the poverty level' poor so he knows about saving and stuff. So while many people are worried, I'm like "yay! I'm gonna buy everything!!" heh

Anyway, we discuss economics, globalization, the stock market, the pros and cons of NAFTA, what really caused and prolonged the Great Depression, and the US influence on the Canadian economy etc. etc.

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