Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Spending money

For the first time in their lives, the twins have an allowance. But as the cliche goes, with power (spending) comes responsibility. So, while I don't really keep track of what they do with their money in school, they are under orders to come home with coins in their wallet i.e. savings.

Every Sunday, they take money out of their little piggy banks for offertory in church. Evan has already earmarked some of his money to buy a plasma ball and impressively, he has saved more than enough to buy one.

Two days ago, he came home with a book list. There was going to be a book fair in school and he had his eye on a Star Wars novel that cost $10.


He insisted on buying it even though we were reluctant (he hasn't really progressed to chapter books without illustrations and this was such a book).

One thing about Evan is that he can be persistent and whiny when he wants something. Instead of giving in to him, we decided to strike a deal with him. He could have his book if he paid for half of it.


So he did. He gave us $5. And we gave him the full amount to buy the book. We told him to put the money in his wallet and buy the book. He had to show us the book as evidence of purchase.


It was a whole new experience for him. From him having to count his coins and come up with $5 to handling a $10 bill in his wallet to finding the book on display and purchasing it.

Of course, we were worried he would lose the money but he did not. He's had to read the book even though he finds it difficult and not all that interesting (it was the last book in a series so I suppose parts of it didn't make sense). It hasn't fallen by the wayside yet because it is HIS book.

If only, they would always be so chuffed about their belongings and take such good care of it.


3 comments:

  1. That must have been a great experience for Evan to learn about responsibility. I'm sure he will treasure the book much more since he paid for 1/2 of it.

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