Save, Share, Spend (not just for children)

My son is almost 5.  He's had small chores (feed the pets, get dressed, clean up toys...) since he could walk and talk, but up until now, I've given him "pretend" money.

Since little guys need "instant" gratification to stay motivated, he would fill out his responsibility chart throughout the day (chores and behavior were included on the chart).

At the end of each day, he could earn a fake dollar if he'd done all that was expected of him.

He could then use this dollar to "buy" a little prize out of the prize bin (little, inexpensive items from dollar bins in various stores - I think it cost me about $15 to get one started).

Or he could "save" it to buy something bigger.  I had a few bigger prizes in the office so he could see the goal on a daily basis.  But, I also encouraged him to save up for items he wanted at stores.  I was actually surprised how often he chose to "save" his "dollars".  In fact, the first thing he bought with his own money was a book (I'm soooo proud) - Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik.  And then he saved up again for a toy logging truck.

The nice thing about him having his own money is it keeps me from buying things "just because".  If he says he wants something, I ask him if he has any money.  If he does, we look at the price tag to see if he can afford it.  If he has his money with him, he "purchases" it himself (I slip the fake dollars back in my pocket and use my debit card - the clerks totally play along).  If he doesn't have his money with him, I let him pay me back when we get home.  And if he doesn't have enough, we talk about how he can earn the money to buy it later.  I've never had tears or fits over something he couldn't have.  He just resolves to save.  And if he forgets about it, he didn't want it bad enough in the first place.  If he remembers (the toy logging truck took about a month to save for), then I know it's a good purchase that he really means.

I have a policy - "If you need it, I'll buy it.  If you just want it, you'll buy it." 

He seems okay with that.  And it keeps him from wasting his money on silly stuff (most of the time).  All it takes is a "do you really want to spend your money on that?" to get him to reconsider.

Anyhow, now that he's a little older, we're stepping it up a bit.  Last week we turned his responsibility chart into a chore chart...no behavior topics included.  He can earn fifty cents (real) each day he completes all of his tasks.  On Saturday, we add up what he's earned and he gets his allowance.  Then, we head to his save, spend, share jars (I just set them up today).  We put a little in his share jar (he's saving to buy pet food for the Humane Society in December), a little more than that in his save jar (for college or something big), and about half in his spend jar.  I got this idea from this website a long time ago.

We haven't lost the instant gratification factor, however.  We still have the prize bin.  This is now based only on behavior.  If he has a good day, doesn't get in any trouble at school or home, he can choose a prize.

A nice mix between delayed and instant.  Plus, it's real life skills.

Back to School

It's that time again...time to think of ways to send your kids (or you) back to school in ecological style.

Things to think about - durability, materials, where it's made, ecological impact

Supplies - Crayola "is getting greener"...they now package their products in recycled paper packages and even offer markers made of recycled plastic and products made using solar power (I noticed these last year, so they shouldn't be hard to find).

Lots of other companies are now offering items made of recycled materials - buying cheap will ensure that the product will not last as long...so cheap really isn't all that cheap.

EarthBinder (recycled binders)
Sasquatch recycled school supplies (mainly paper goods)
Ecosmart World - A Back to School Guide for Students Going Green

Lunch - buying snacks in bulk uses a lot less packaging than individual servings packaged separately; use lunch totes and refillable stainless steel drink containers; try out some re-usable snack bags (Snack Taxi and Re Pac - made in the USA). Check out the Re Pac website (Snack Taxi is already in my "Google This" link list). Re Pac is currently offering a 1/2 off discount through mamasource.

Clothes and shoes - try to buy Made in USA...and remember, it's better to buy fewer things that are well made than to buy a bunch of cheap stuff that will look terrible after a few washes/wears (it can be hard to convince young ones of this) - just a note - many New Balance shoes are made in the USA. Also, check out your local thrift stores and check out this TED talk about recycled fashion (it might convince your teenagers).



All of us are trying to make our dollars stretch further these days, but it's no excuse to throw our money away on cheap crap. Kids are hard on their stuff, so well-made things are important.

Backpacks - this is another instance where it's way better to buy a good one that will last for years - L.L. Bean (made in Maine/USA) will even monogram the bag - and they offer matching lunch totes - Jansport (made in the UK) packs are also pretty well made for a decent price. Both companies provide replacement parts, warranties, and service.

Getting back into the routine - Most parents realize that kids do best with a routine...but summer is notorious for spontaneity, later bedtimes, and relaxed rules. It's important to re-institute school-year routines at least a week or two before school starts. Gradually move back to a normal bedtime (this goes for adults, too), and figure out how and when things will get done during the week - chores, meal prep, homework, sports, music lessons. No kid is too young to have a part in this. I love this little gem: The Melissa & Doug responsibility board:

Here's to a great new year!