Comments on: One example

By: leslie

leslie — Sun, 07 May 2006 14:35:00 +0000

You know there are so many variables that go into the money situation with kids. My parents had a system, but I think they could have chosen a vastly different money system for us and we would have been fine. Because most of all, I learned about money from watching my parent’s generosity with it towards friends, church, employees, clients, the community and towards us.

I also saw their good management of a family business, a home, and their land. I saw the examples of my grandparents. They lived conservatively yet gave lavishly and showed their grandchildren that true Joy lies in the action of giving. Their example was far more impactful upon my spending habits than any system of allowance they instituted.

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 06 May 2006 17:09:50 +0000

I love this post. It really made me think. My oldest son has always been crazy about cooking with me. I used to view it as a bit of a nuisance or something “special” I would do with him. Now I’m seeing the potential to use his enthusiasm and learn an important skill. So, he’s been in the kitchen with me helping prepare dinner. He’s so happy and proud of his accomplishments. I’m hoping that someday soon he’ll be helping with some of the meals.

I grew up with a small allowance that my parents used to teach wise money management. We grew up with the saying, “tithe ten percent, save ten percent and spend the rest with thanksgiving.” Our allowance was tied to our responsibilities about the house so if we shirked on our work my parents “docked our pay”. As we got older my mother would post lists of jobs about the house and how much we would be paid for each so we could make a little extra money. I can remember being paid a penny per weed I pulled in the garden or doing bigger jobs like cleaning out the deep freeze. In our teens we were given a monthly clothing allowance and were expected to budget and plan ahead. Clothing included shoes and coats. It wasn’t a lot of money so we had to shop for bargains and be careful how we spent it. I couldn’t afford the “name brand” stuff (which was fine with my parents, lol!)

By: Amy Scott

Amy Scott — Sat, 06 May 2006 15:32:58 +0000

of course by then my own dh will have all the tools he needs to get started on his own projects. He has the desire, just not the money to do these things.

My husband’s first ever project was my wedding present: a solid cherry four poster king-size bed. Since he didn’t own any power tools, he hand chistled all the joints, hand sanded, etc. It took him three years. Now he has all the tools. Well, maybe not all–as I strongly suspect that he designs projects purposely so that he gets a new power tool.

At 2 and 3.5 these boys are already better help than all the high school kids that have ever worked for me

Know what you mean. I’ve noticed this every time we’ve patronized a teenaged-staffed carwash fundraiser.

Get that boy some sawhorses! What is that thing under the wood that he is sawing?

My husband’s four other sawhorses were already in use with other projects at the time. He was using the hose reel.

Now I think it’s time for more newborn pictures. How is little Charles?

I think so too. But I always feel a little presumptous in thinking that everyone agrees with how cute my baby is. But since you asked, I’m happy to oblige you and post a picture or two when I get a chance (hopefully later today).

Sorry it’s taken so long to reply. Been busy.

By: Scott Terry

Scott Terry — Sat, 06 May 2006 00:07:38 +0000

Great post Amy. Thats one thing I’ve tried hard to do on our farm, let the kids do real work. Oh, it takes forever, but it will pay off in the end. I’ve got a 2 year old that feeds cows and scrapes turds everyday. I could do the job 50 times by the time he’s done. Do I want to pull my hair out sometimes…..sure I do. At 2 and 3.5 these boys are already better help than all the high school kids that have ever worked for me

By: Amy Howard

Amy Howard — Fri, 05 May 2006 15:38:24 +0000

Amy,

Great post! My oldest loves woodworking also. He’s going to want to borrow your son’s idea. It’s fun to see how children can inspire one another!

By: Mrs. DMG

Mrs. DMG — Fri, 05 May 2006 11:37:28 +0000

Wonderful post Amy. I too enjoyed the picture of your blessing with his finished product. It is great that your children have parents that are willing to go the extra mile and really “be” parents. Perhaps in a few years your son can start a website with his finished work and I can order some furniture…of course by then my own dh will have all the tools he needs to get started on his own projects. He has the desire, just not the money to do these things.

~ Mrs. DMG ~

By: Susanna

Susanna — Fri, 05 May 2006 09:54:39 +0000

In the UK we call it ‘pocket money’. Some children used to have loads, and I strongly suspect that it was a substitute for love. We were not home schooled, so had daily tasks during the holiday and from the age of about 11 did our own laundry. However as we got older we had certain saturday tasks to complete that decided whether or not we got any money. Mine were washing the car and vaccuming the house.
Once we were over 14 (I think) my mum transferred our child benefit money to our accounts but we had to use it to save for clothes etc.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:09:19 +0000

Someone else already posted about a clothing allowance. My parents did that for us. The total picture includes raising sheep and cattle and never being allowed to touch a dime of that money until college.

The clothing allowance stopped a lot of arguments over “brand” names–actually nipped that desire right in the bud. Still try to buy all my jeans at thrift shops.

By: Jo in Orlando

Jo in Orlando — Fri, 05 May 2006 01:33:03 +0000

Get that boy some sawhorses! What is that thing under the wood that he is sawing?

He is so cute. What a blessing.

Great post, Amy. Now I think it’s time for more newborn pictures. How is little Charles?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 04 May 2006 19:07:16 +0000

Thank you, Amy, your example was very clear.

Kathy in MA