Carter wants an X-Box. Today. Last week he wanted a new laptop. Next week? Who knows? Carter is my shopper boy. He obvious inherited that from his grandparents since neither Way or I care for the shopping adventure. The shopping gene became apparent in Carter early on and we knew we had to set some limitations. He would ask to do all sorts of chores to earn money to immediately spend it on Pokemon cards, Jumping Beans, Bottle Caps, etc. He has since moved into the big time.
We set some limitations on their spending and saving. Our rules are: You can spend 1/4 of what you make right away. You can save 1/4 towards a long term item. You must save 1/2 of what you make for – well – forever. To pull money from the long term account, you have to state your intention and maintain it for 3 weeks. This addresses Carter’s constant change in the objects he covets. We are trying to teach some self control.
We are failing. Last night when Carter asked for the X-Box, we said no. He has been moping around, slamming doors and hiding out in his room ever since. “It’s my money, why can’t I do what I want with it.” “You don’t really care about me.” “No, I don’t want to eat your food.” are just some of the lovely sentiments that came mumbling out in passing.
He continues to mope today. I did get a small smile when he woke up to chocolate croissants (I am not bribing him, these were already on the agenda). I am not too worried because in about 3 days he will move onto something else or back to the computer.
Are my kids spoiled? Probably. But I do know that taking a picture of Carter today would of started WWIII. So here is one I took a few days ago when he was happy.
