I read this the other day on kingdomfirstmom's blog the other day. (See below) It got me to thinking how caught up many people have found themselves with expensive birthdays they can't afford. The rented clowns, the pizza parties, etc. I think we can teach our children a lot more by living within our means and still having a good time doing it. It teaches them to appreciate what they have. They learn to stay out of debt. That you don't have to have the biggest and best of everything, but you can still have a good time. Recently there was a questionnaire going around on facebook that asked what your favorite childhood memory was. Almost every child (and adult) without fail said camping with their family. Now I found that very interesting that they all chose something low budget that did not include high tech equipment or expensive amusement parks. When I first had my kids I had very little money. As finances improved I started buying them all kinds of stuff. I desperately wanted to do those parties at Chuck E Cheese but could never afford in the past. But after a while I realized they neither appreciated it or took care of the stuff. I cut back and they went back to appreciating it. I heard from another mom that only allows her kids to have 10 toys. If they get more than that they have to choose something to donate. It sounds strict, but on the other hand do they really need more than 10 things? Wouldn't it be nicer to bless another child who doesn't have anything? I know another mom who spent days creating a fantastic birthday party for her child. Her husband innocently asked why they couldn't just have a cake and swim party. The mom had all sorts of reasons why not. I have to confess I wondered the same thing myself. Now I'm not suggesting you shouldn't do it if you want to and can afford it, but for those of us who can't as you will see below you can do other things without going into debt and it will be fabulous!
She wants to take her guests to the movies.
But instead they will enjoy a $1.00 rental from Red Box and stove-popped popcorn while in their jammies.
She wants a trip to the fancy kiddie “spa” for makeovers, pedicures and glitter.
But instead they will enjoy painting their nails at home with my abundant stash of free nail polish from CVS.
She wants a restaurant meal at [insert name of family chain here].
But instead they will munch on pizza and fresh fruit at home.
She wants a trip to her favorite ice cream shop down the road.
But instead they will enjoy home-made ice cream sundaes and all the trimmings with their chocolate cake.
She wants to visit a bowling alley or a trip to the local gymnastics center.
But instead, she and her friends will play board games and take turns on our new Wii.
And you know what? It will be fabulous.
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