Money is important. But something more important is teaching our children how to manage money.
Infants are oblivious. But early on, a child can benefit from learning money isn’t infinite, no matter how wealthy the family might be.
And children in families that have very little money can learn the value of it and how to manage their lack with dignity.
Money doesn’t place a value on us. Children can grow up feeling ashamed if they don’t have the most recent game, toy, or technical device. We can be helpful to them, not by going into debt to get the thing they want, but by showing our love and how much we value them. It’s okay to say, “I don’t have the money to buy this for you.” There is no shame in that.
Money is useful but barter and sharing, working hard and being frugal, are lessons we all need to learn if we are going to value money and learn generosity and survival.
And so, at this Christmastime, let’s not create stress for ourselves by buying beyond our means. Let’s learn about freebees in the neighbourhood and being straight with our children. Older ones can get a neighbourhood job or do volunteer work to fill their free time that others use to spend money.
Dignity comes from decency and courage, from hard work and honesty. We can do a lot with indoor board games in cold, damp winter weather. We can share with friends and family, so that no one has a Christmas alone or hungry. We can celebrate with singing, playing, watching a free film together. There is so much we can do by having a present price limit.
Let’s begin to live within our means. And let’s teach our children there are limits to spending but there are no limits to loving our children.
Every blessing:)