[email protected]

In a message dated 9/29/02 11:49:08 AM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:

<< I'm simply not buying what they don't need. >>

But what one person needs is extravagance to another. Each person has to
decide what they need for themselves.
The family budget does affect these things....but within that framework of
budget, I think kids should have their own money they can spend on whatever
they want. And I believe parents should not decide what they need or don't
need unless it has to do with safety and awareness.
A three year old that wants to cook should not have a butcher knife bought
for them, to use whenever they want. But the parent could buy a safer knife,
and/or purchase it with the foreknowledge that it could only be used with
supervision.
Ah, but that's theoretical.
I think the best way to "teach" budgeting and consumer awareness is to give
them money and access. Lead by telling them your opinion on a product, but
let them find out for themselves without the shame and guilt attached to
making mistakes.
We have to make our own mistakes with money.
Kids need to be given the freedom to make their own too.
Eventually, they become very aware and very good with money....in their own
way.

Ren