I read a great piece this morning, which joked about how far fetched popular television series are when comparing the financial lives of television characters to that of real people. Obviously, the conclusion drawn resembled night and day as imaginary is just that, imaginary, and real comes with actual price tags and credit card bills trailing behind.
What does that mean to us parents who are raising children between the ages of five and 25? It means teaching kids young the difference between sweet dreams and economic nightmares. Believe it or not, a nickel still holds value otherwise the government would have gotten rid of it long ago. Children need to know this. Saving a few nickels can still buy a child a pencil at the school store and a pretty cool one at that. You are not harming your child by tuning them into this in a world that has remained tuned out for so long that people are now losing their houses and canceling their vacations. Luxuries should never be considered staples as that skewed reality is what skews families right into bankruptcy leaving the economically savvy to pick up their houses for 40-50 cents on the dollar. Reality hits hard, and just like you, I must take the time to educate my own children to this fact as well.
For instance, the other day, I gave my son money to bring to school with him in case he needed to hire a taxi to take him home from school during the few days I was traveling on business. And, indeed, Ian did need to take a taxi home one day – a move, which led him to taste another aspect of independence he liked. Be that as it may, soon I was receiving phone calls from all over the place, Ian explaining yet again why he needed to take another taxi and why I needed to pay for it. Needless to say, the foot went down and with it came Ian's realization that given the ability to take a bus, ride a bike, catch a ride with a friend going to the same place, or use two legs, taxi money remains in one's pocket for a time when thunder is cracking and mom is flying (and that's not off the handle, mind you)! Ian needed to realize that independence does not come with someone else footing the bill. Independence arrives with the "responsibility" and "full" independence arrives with "full" responsibility. Long story short, Ian figured out his way back to the bus with a clearer picture of what he was actually doing when he climbed on board. He was saving his money for a rainy day (and possibly his own car down the line so that the bus would no longer be needed).
I'm pretty proud of that kid. And I'm pretty proud of myself for sowing those seeds in a way that actually got through. It's tough being a parent sometimes, as you want to give the world to your children. That being said, I believe, you do so by giving them practicality and common sense in beneficial doses.
Ian's had his dose for the week! And he swallowed it with nary a complaint. There's a positive move towards independence if I've ever seen one!
Laura Wellington is the creator of THE WUMBLERS children's television series and brand, the CEO of The Giddy Gander Company, and the mother of four children. www.wumblers.com
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