Money Moral Dilemma: Should we sign our child up to a free book scheme when we can afford books?

Silverlady109

You already know the answer. Introduce your child to the library, encourage them to join the reading group for their age. Socialising and reading together will help your child to become confident in their environment. Make a donation to the charity on a regular basis, you obviously have money to spare, and it will help disadvantaged kids whose parents are struggling. Charities are set up to help those in need, you should give not take, and thank your lucky stars that you are not one of those that need it.

ShinyStarlight1

It may say it’s a free book but there is a cost somewhere, just not to the participants.

Books like these are intended for those who would struggle financially or socially to access these as a norm. It doesn’t sound like you are either. 

WYSPECIAL

Yes.
It will give your child something to look forward to and encourage them to read.
The book can be recycled through a charity shop and you could always donate directly to the charity providing the books if you wish.
Do you have an issue with other things which are available free for your child, such as vaccinations, based on the grounds you could afford to pay for them?

mimgable

I'd say no. If you do you are depriving someone else who really can't afford to buy books, whereas you can, or utilise the inter library system to order any book that's been printed here(free). Others may have issues accessing libraries with id issues, transport etc so really do need the opportunity to be given books or have little or no access to them.

[Deleted User]

It's your choice, however, I can't help feeling that you it would be more appropriate, and less selfish, for you to be donating to the charity rather than using it's scarce funds.  Use your money to buy books for your child, I wish you happy reading.

Bellisima

There’s a well known saying round my way “you would skin a fart” and that sums up people like you.  That offer is not for people with a good income.  Buy your own books. 

Jay1_2

Yes, as long as you aren't lying about your income to them in order to get things you aren't entitled to. By expanding into your area they will want to show off how many families they are reaching - you'll be a good addition to their stats. I presume you take your child to the local library- if there are any near you they are closing because not enough people use them regularly (and therefore people who can't afford to buy books are loosing out).

As you are asking, to salve your conscience, see if you can buy a few books for a school near you or there might be a charity that wants to give Christmas presents to disadvantaged children. Or just give the money that the books are worth to charity.

SuperScrimper1

I would say no. Only because I know there are limited amounts of these and I think it would be important that they reach youngsters of Families who can not afford to buy their children new books. If your children's friends are receiving these books and you feel they may feel left out and as you have said you have the money buy them one.a trip to the works or water-stones. However by far the best options to get children loving and attaching to books is a Charity shop or boot fair find as I have found children often like to keep their books a while and of course our wonderful library with their story times and crafts based on books also help children to engage and enjoy and keep your children grounded and knowing the value of money and sharing with others.

badmemory

I haven't read all the posts so sorry if this has already been said.

If you are not someone who has confidence in your ability to choose the best books for your child then this could be a good way of making sure you are making good choices.  BUT.  see that big but.  Whilst they don't limit who these books go to you really ought to be the bigger person & donate enough so that there is another book for yet another child who does need it.  It may not even be for a child whose parents can't afford it, but could be for a child who loves books & whose parents don't think reading is "worth it" & that is truly dire.

DannyHotPotato

Since when have the wealthy had any guilt about accepting freebies?
Free tax breaks, free company cars, free petrol/diesel, free insurance/MOT, free lunches, free posh dinner events, free corporate events, free pension contributions, free life insurance contributions.  At least be honest about it.