how much do you spend on your kids at christmas?

kegg_2

tanmu wrote: »

Refusing to spend huge amounts of cash on our kids doesn't mean they have to go around in rags. And spending in the hundreds doesn't make you a better parent somehow. My point is that I think it's important as parents that we instill values into our children, especially when it comes to money considering the mess the economy has gotten into. It's about teaching our children to value things. How can they appreciate their gifts if the pile is bigger than they are, or they're even too young to care? How can they value their presents if they know that come their next birthday and Christmas after that, they'll get more on top? Most kids don't NEED half the stuff we buy them. We buy it because it makes US feel good. I'm not saying that we can't indulge them ever, just that in my opinion, at this time of year we take that to the very extreme.

So you are implying that anyone who spends loads is not a good parent.

aliasojo

Kazipoo wrote: »

Instilling values in children is one thing, but not allowing your children to have things because you want to instill good money sense does far more damage IMO.

It's all about finding the right balance for you and your children. Too much can make people spoilt and continually wanting, too little can make people become accepting of always being in the position of having little which can affect a person's self worth and expectation for themselves in the future. I'm speaking from experience.

There's plenty of times in a child's life where lessons can be taught, I dont agree that Christmas should have to be looked on as one of them.

victory

Still at it then , just learn to accept every persons varying ways and be tolerant, it was just a question, no child of mine has ever felt deprived, we just don't can't won't spend the money, what is the point of being in debt in January?:D

aliasojo

victory wrote: »

Still at it then , just learn to accept every persons varying ways and be tolerant, it was just a question, no child of mine has ever felt deprived, we just don't can't won't spend the money, what is the point of being in debt in January?:D

Was that to me? Still at what? I'm confused.

victory

Nope not at anyone to anyone for anyone just a statement really;) sick of all the blah blah blah ,just each to their own done:D

RustyFlange

victory wrote: »

Still at it then , just learn to accept every persons varying ways and be tolerant, it was just a question, no child of mine has ever felt deprived, we just don't can't won't spend the money, what is the point of being in debt in January?

by your last comment .... (in bold) Who says everyone will be in debt in January??

I am not saying I like the prices of some of the things nowadays however I try my hardest to shop when there are offers on etc! I have things put away for DD's birthday (May) and also DS's (sept) I however do not own a credit card or have accounts with anyone (catalogues) I pay cash/paypal/debit card and I for one will not be in debt come christmas!! :j :j

Not everyone will be in debt!!

aliasojo

victory wrote: »

Nope not at anyone to anyone for anyone just a statement really;) sick of all the blah blah blah ,just each to their own done:D

This is a chat forum....blah blah blah is what it's all about. :rotfl:

I do agree it should be each to their own but sometimes when people bang on about how it's best to do things a certain way, it's not always the case for everyone and I feel the need to stick my tuppenceworth in.

stickypudding

I have spent around £80 on both boys (almost 3 and 15 months) including stocking fillers and new p.j's etc. I have shopped around for their gifts and even got some from the local car boot the other month. As they are so little (this will be the first proper Christmas that the eldest is bothered about) I am trying not to spend too much, and let's be honest they won't care what they get as they will/do not know any different yet.

The thing that has made it more special this year is that I am able to start putting in place traditions for the kids to get into (baking santa's mincepies, making cards etc) and it's all about spending quality time together, which we don't do very often (Hubby at work, me at work and so on)

Happy Christmas everyone!!

tanmu

Kazipoo wrote: »

...
Instilling values in children is one thing, but not allowing your children to have things because you want to instill good money sense does far more damage IMO. In the past, when we have been seriously broke, I bought second or third hand items (gameboy, phone etc) so that the kids still got the up to date toys, that way they wouldn't feel too left out or embarrassed.... FGS its Christmas, a time for giving, so let us give and see our children wonderously happy for one day a year, and who cares if we spend £10 or £1000, if its what the kids want, and we can afford it, isn't that what its all about??

first off, I never said anything about not allowing children to have things. I just don't see how giving them huge piles of stuff is supposed to make them happy long term. All that is doing is teaching them that having and buying things is what makes people happy. And that Christmas is all about consuming. Secondly, it's not even just about teaching them money sense, but about teaching them to appreciate things. How can they appreciate things if they have so much they don't even know what to do with it? Surely at some point things lose their value because mummy and/or daddy will just 'buy me more/a new one/another one'.

As for giving so our kids can be wonderously happy for one day a year....Kids love so much more about Christmas than just mountains of gifts. They love meeting Santa, decorating a tree, making cards, eating sweet treats, being around family, singing carols, opening their advent calendars etc.....lots of things that make Christmas special without the need to get as many presents as possible. And the kind of things that make real, lasting memories. The kind of memories they'll tell their own children when they grow up.

And yes, Christmas is a time for giving. But giving comes in more forms than money.

tanmu

kegg wrote: »

So you are implying that anyone who spends loads is not a good parent.

What I posted in no way implies that. You are obviously completely missing the point I'm trying to make