George's wallet now contains $13 which is the entirety of his allowance from the last three months minus 10c for his tithe every week (he's quite happy to do this although Tim and I kind of remind him/make him).
Periodically we ask George what he would like to spend his money on, and here are the responses we get: "Diapers, new shoes for Helen, vegetables, maybe some celery." Once or twice I have walked him up and down the toy and book aisles at Target to try to show him the possibilities. His response was "I have lots of toys; I think we should save these ones for the other kids." George has also mentioned that he feels he should save his money up in case he would ever lose a library book; then he would be all ready to pay for it.
So what the heck should we do here? Just let him buy the celery (which he doesn't even particularly like)? We don't want him to feel responsible for buying essentials but there is something sweet about how he wants to put his little income out there for the family. I certainly don't want to turn him into a materialist but it is so strange that he doesn't want anything for himself!
Any other ideas?
4 comments:
That is too sweet! He's so thoughtful and generous! I don't really have any ideas for you, but I think it's too precious!
"I have lots of toys; I think we should save these ones for the other kids."
I love this!! Bless his big heart. :)
BTW, ask Tim, I think we both saved our pocket money for years because we wanted to buy "something", but:
a) I don't think we were as young as George, b) I think I mostly just copied Tim, c) Growing up in Zim, there wasn't much to spend the money on that was exciting for kids. Going on holiday was a different story. I blew my holiday allowance fast (usually on torches or toy guns). Tim was more restrained. :)
As far as ideas go, maybe just let him save it for now(?)
What a sweet little boy! Not sure what to say- my two boys rarely spend money they earn or are given as gifts. They have not said it so sweetly, but I think the bottom line is that they are so fortunate to have many things already, that they don't feel the need to spend it. And every time they really truly want something, and we tell them they have to buy it themselves, they always suddenly decide they really don't want it. They both say they are saving for college! Maybe George can do that, too. Although, I have a feeling George is a smart boy who may not need to pay for his college tuition! :)
The above comment is from Laura in Minnesota! :)
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