Thursday, September 25, 2008

Money, money, money

So maybe we get a lot of junk mail, but I've saved a piece of the solicitations -aka fake credit cards, and made some use of them. This may seem like irresponsible parenting to play "collect-the-credit-cards-and-max-them-out-on-pretend-buying-things-you-don't-need", given our current economic crisis. But then how could we play repo-man?

Actually we do try to talk a bit about money, where it comes from and what are good spending choices. The other morning Luke said to C he would like to stay home and play with us and C said, "sorry daddy you have to go to work and get us money so we can buy food." Some thing is clicking, I'm just glad he didn't say "so mom can buy diet coke." That might have put me back in the workforce.

We made and decorated the wallets ourselves... a little paper, masking tape and felt markers - how fancy! I assure you no credit was used to buy these supplies, although I did splurge $1 to buy some fake cash.

The boys do love these, they like to get a "bill" at Mama's restaurant, count out money and get change. They have even set up stores for each other, so a successful, usable craft.




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9 comments:

J. Baxter said...

This is the kind of thing I may think about (probably because I got the idea from someone's blog) but never actually do.

And that is why you are such a great mom.

Maybe if my C comes over to play, you'll do cool things like this, and then he'll at least have SOME exposure to "cool Mom-ness" - because he definitely isn't getting it at home!!

Kelly said...

Brody is also getting the 'dad makes the money so we can buy food, clothing, etc.' stuff. I have to drum that into his head since both kids seem to think 'work' is some mysterious place dad goes to, yet have no idea what he is doing there-just that it impairs his ability to play with them. So we give the shout out to our dad every day when he goes to work-becuase well, we like to have food on the table.

I love the wallet idea!

Lahni said...

What a good idea! My oldest collects Canadian Tire money in his wallet. He thinks he's rich.

Natalie said...

We've done something similiar (although not nearly as fancy) with all those fake cards that show up unannounced. It's funny how credit cards are a hit with everyone - even the preschool set. My kids have (unfortunately) gotten old enough to prefer real money, so I frequently let them have a SMALL budget to go to the grocery store & choose stuff with. Sounds mean, but I get great joy out of telling them they don't have enough money for everything they want. I like to see them strategize and think of what they really want and what they can save up for for later, etc. Plus, they can make perfect change since they're well versed in what money is worth which amount. So, I think it's great that you're doing this with the boys.

ashley|josh said...

what a totally sweet idea. i am taking notes for my future kids. :)

Rainy Day Farm said...

You are such an awesome Mom! You don't need any ideas from me, I think I am going to steal ideas from you! Love the coyote too!

zakkalife said...

I've let my children play with fake cards before but you've taken it to whole new level! Great idea.

Dee Light said...

Wonderful idea!! I know your little ones are having fun with this!!

Jamie said...

I save those cards for my kids too. They live in their wallets in the dress-up box. I like your craft and idea of "billing" your kids! :)