Recently there have been some studies done that show if kids REALLY want something, they should be made to work for it, earn the money by themselves and then be allowed to purchase it. These kids then become very good managers of their personal finances, don't expect everything to be handed to them and understand the value of hard work, etc. . Also quite a few of these kids go on to become successful business leaders.
So with this great idea in my head for teaching fiscal responsibility, I had the solution in place for when my oldest daughter, M, asked for chihuahua puppy again. (I know I know - like we need ANOTHER dog!! which is one of the reasons I've said "no"in the past.) She has been bugging me off and on for over 2 years to get one. So this summer, when she asked I told her that if she raised the $500-$700 (depending on price of dog and start up costs for new pet owner - shots, vet check, microchip, cage, food, fixing etc.) by herself I would let her get one it. (I thought "I am so smart!!") M has not been the best saver in the world. She's kinda like me and loves to buy gifts for others, so she usually doesn't have a lot of money in the bank. I figured that if this wasn't a passing phase and she actually did do it, it would take her at least a year, probably two to raise that kind of money. Shows what I know!!!
M was VERY motivated!!! She worked all kinds of extra jobs throughout the summer and into September: mowing lawns, babysitting, yard & house work, mucking out 22 stalls at a horse farm, digging fence post holes, building fences, painting and any odd job she could find. She found a breeder who was willing to give her a 50% discount on one of the puppies if she did yard work for her. So in less than 4 months, M raised $546 on her own (not counting the discount). I am so proud of her and her work ethic and commitment!!! She showed such responsibility and initiative. Because I wasn't crazy about getting another dog (a puppy to boot) and especially that breed, the hardest thing for me to do was to keep my word and allow her purchase her puppy. (I've tried to follow the policy my Mom has always told me was so important as a parent. Don't lie to your kids or go back on your promises, because then they won't trust you. So since M was able to rise to the very high bar I set, I kept my word.) She becomes a teenager in a couple weeks . From some of my experiences at work, I've seen how critical it is to maintain the open lines of communication, respect and trust with your kids.
M picked up her puppy, Sonny Venti, bright and early on Saturday. (His eyes are light blue and the red eye fixer made them a lovely shade of violet so the picture is kinda weird.) Sonny is a long hair chihuahua. I saw his mother & uncle and we played with all the puppies several times over about a month and Sonny has the best disposition of the litter. Very snuggly and lovey. (I'm not a chihuahua person but even I think Sonny is just one of the cutest little guys.) He has a very nice personality and we've been exposing him to lots of people so he doesn't get too territorial and possessive of only M.
What I've noticed is that M still has that sense of responsibility and purpose and helps a lot around the house. I am very grateful and very proud of her. Way to go girl!!!
Here's the "men of the house" relaxing on the couch and watching some Sunday afternoon football. C was rooting for the Cowboys and Dallas beat Green Bay, so he was happy.
3 comments:
Wow That thing is cute! Way to go Meg for all the hard work, I think that is awesome. Make sure that little one keeps eating because they can get hypoglycemic quickly if they stop. But he looks like a trooper and I think he'll do just fine.
She keeps him in a large cage with lots of dry & canned food and of course water.
Wow, great work, girl! :)
Melissa :)
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