Heather Hall

>> How do you all feel about weekly allowances? Did/do you give your
>> kids an allowance? If so, how do you decide how much to give?

I think Harriet is ready for some spending money of her own, but it seems
like she tends to pick the first thing she sees. We went clothes shopping
the other day and I decided to let her put just about everything she wanted
in the cart. Then I went to a quiet corner in the store and asked her to
pick 2 things. We talked about why she picked those 2 things and she
changed her mind on one of them, not sure why but any how, she was very
happy with the 2 things she picked. Unfortunately, I forgot completely
about giving her money to buy it herself. I think she would enjoy that.

She's 4, a little shy but very articulate. I seem to be feeling the need to
make this more complicated than it probably needs to be. She isn't asking
for money yet, or to buy things herself. I'm a recovering control freak
trying to figure out how to let go ;)
--
Heather, mom to
Harriet 12.15.99
Crispin 01.25.02
heatherette@...

J. Stauffer

<<<< I think Harriet is ready for some spending money of her own, but it
seems
> like she tends to pick the first thing she sees. >>>>

Of course, because she is 4 and because buying her own stuff is new. Right
now, for her, it isn't about WHAT she is buying but simply that she is
BUYING. It is the thrill of control, of decision, of owning.

It will wear off and she will be more discerning. It takes awhile. So give
her the amount of money you can be comfortable with and let go.

Julie S.

catherine aceto

I think Harriet is ready for some spending money of her own, but it seems
like she tends to pick the first thing she sees.
***************

Lydia (now 6) went through nearly a year of having her allowance (5/wk) burn a hole in her pocket. If she got it, she had to go spend it and if the store didn't have what she wanted, then she bought something just to buy it. Gradually, though, she changed until now she can walk into a toy store with $20 in her pocket and walk back out because they didn't really have anything that she wanted.

-Cat


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