Its all money money money

My 13 year old daughter is always asking for money, money for a school trip, friends birthday parties, and recently a day outing, she asked me for the money so casual, it is £22 to go, and although that isn't a massive amount, trips after trips and birthdays after birthdays soon becomes rather expensive. My husband and I both decided it was far too expensive to keep carrying on like this, and it was time to say no.

Although it was a whole days outgoing, and I would have really liked for her to go, it really isn't the end of the world. My daughter has recently made a lot of new friends at a lot of different clubs and activities. She went to camp last year, and that was very expensive.

Although I love giving my child what she really wants, I had to resist the urge to give her whatever she wanted. I find that not buying them small things that they can save up for like clothes, CD's, and make-up. Even young children need to learn the value of money. 

There is nothing worse that giving my child her pocket money without a thank you or even a smile. If we teach our children the value of money, they will understand the meaning of money and will then appreciate the things we give them, and that they previously took for granted.

The more we give our daughters, and allow them to do things with her friends, the more she takes those things for granted. It is often that when this happens she resists doing housework as she already has everything she wants, and there is nothing to work for.

Every parent is different, and every child varies in what works and what doesn't for you. . You may have to teach each youngster individually, as they are motivated differently. If your children willingly hand over their allowance every time they don't take out the rubbish, you should take away something they really enjoy and you will soon notice changes.

Yes, my daughter did go on that trip, but we agreed she could only go if she saved up and paid for half of the trip, that way she feels like she has earn it, and that we help her along the way. As it was too close to save up all that money, together we decided extra jobs she could do around the house to earn money.