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"We Don't Have Money": Why Parents Shouldn't Say This Phrase to Their Children
06.07.2023 10:22
It is a common situation when a child demands that his parents give him another toy, but the family’s financial situation does not allow him to spend much.
In such a situation, many mothers and fathers tell their children the following phrase: "We can't buy you this. We don't have money."
The excuse seems very convenient. But only at first glance.
Of course, the baby's demand will lose its relevance. But the consequences can be very serious.
There are several reasons why parents should avoid using the phrase, “We don’t have money.”
The child will decide that he is being lied to.
Of course, the refusal to purchase can be explained by the lack of money.
But if after a few minutes the parents buy something else, the child will draw conclusions that are unpleasant for the parents.
A boy or girl will probably think: "How is that possible? There is no money for a toy, but there is for other things?"
The child will begin to consider the family poor
If you constantly refuse to buy certain things for your child, sooner or later he will come to the conclusion that the financial situation in the family is difficult.
The child will feel like he lives in poverty, while all the other children are being raised by wealthy parents.
The child may become too stingy
If a child gets the impression that there is never enough money, he may develop excessive frugality and greed.
The baby will not share anything with his peers. As he grows up, he will save on everything, although the need for this will not always arise.
A person who was given the wrong attitude as a child will worry after every purchase.
What should parents do?
If mom and dad are forced to refuse a purchase for their child, then there is no need to explain their decision by a lack of money.
You should say: "We will buy you this thing when we have the funds." A phrase like: "Let's collect money for this toy" will also work.
It is worthwhile to involve the child in the family's financial affairs. Then the child will understand what the money is spent on and whether it is possible to redistribute the budget.
This approach will make the child more thrifty, but certainly not greedy.
