We had a great summer full of love and laughter. A few skinned knees and more then one bruised ego from time to time. But, no broken bones and no broken hearts (thank heavens... I'm not ready for that yet!) Many trips to the various fountains in the city, OMSI, parks and hikes.
N began the summer by wanting a paint-by-number dinosaur set. I shined him on most of the summer, only half listening to his request. After all this was a boy who EVERY TIME we leave the house wants to buy something new. "I never get anything new/I want/fun" was a common refrain. I was determined to break this habit. So, instead of really addressing it, I ignored it. Yeah, score -1 mom. Finally, we had an epiphany. Let's make the conversation about money a little more real.
Hence the talk about ALLOWANCE. After chatting with Patrick we decided that N could have an allowance of $1 a week. He could then begin to save for things that he wanted. Of course the first thing he wanted was the above mentioned item. It was ONLY $10. "That would take forever!" Really, did he have no faith in the wisdom of his parents? We explained for items that he wanted to buy during this allowance phase he only needed to save 1/2 the money and we would match the other half. He was also welcome to do some work to earn more money if he wanted. (This ratio will change as the dollar amount of his allowance goes up over the years, but it seemed like a good place to start)
So, with a new found determination he began to save. And he offered to wash the car! Well, who could turn that offer down. It was during our recent heat wave, so it was entertaining and practical. So after a couple weeks of saving and working he finally had his five dollars saved. (with $1.50 to spare!)
We proudly walked to our neighborhood art store (owed by Peter Rossing - a blast from my theater past). N went directly to his prize and only vacillated for a moment when he saw another dinosaur item. But he remained firm. He went to the register with box and bank in hand. Proudly counted out his $5 and watched as the clerk rang up his purchase. The whole experience was probably a little more profound for me, but it he seemed very proud of the transaction.
We came home and he spent the afternoon painting, waiting, gluing and waiting some more. And voila a finished project complete with winning smile!
