Tired of the Gimmes

My husband and I are so tired of our 7 year old and his case of the "Gimmes." Even though we've told him before entering every store his whole life "No, we're not buying toys or candy today." It doesn't deter him. Somehow he thinks maybe today is the day we'll wear down. He's also the type of child who spends his birthday and Christmas money as fast as he gets it. So we've decided we need a new plan of attack since our consistently saying "No" hasn't worked over the last 7 years. We've tried to explain the value of a dollar and where money comes from, etc., but it just doesn't stick.

So, we're using this move to our advantage. Starting in the new house, there will be a chore chart. Nothing elaborate, just the chores he has now like putting his dirty clothes in the laundry and picking up toys with a couple new ones, like sweeping the floor, added on for an allowance. We haven't decided on a dollar amount yet, but we want something in the range that our son will be able to buy something small that week, but need to save it for the things he really and truly wants. That way we can teach him about impulse buys, and how they affect your money and what you can buy later. If all goes well, our system will work, and we'll be able to modify it and use it with our younger son who is now 2 when he's old enough to understand. I was even thinking of taking away the whole sticker chart idea and using poker chips with the little one when he gets the sticker chart concept, and then he can use those poker chips he's earned as his own currency for things he wants. Sam thing as stickers, only a little more tangible to real money, I think. Or so I'm hoping my theory holds so that we have less work as he gets older. I don't want to raise kids who think they're entitled to have everything handed to them.

I'm glad that The Parent Bloggers Network hosted this blog blast sponsored by Capital One because it really made my husband and I put a plan in place that we want to execute with our kids.