1.  Go to the park.
2.  Watch a dvd and eat popcorn.
3.  Make pancakes.
4.  Make playdough.
5.  Play with playdough.
6.  Build something with blocks.
7.  Play school.  Let your child be the teacher.
8.  Paint or draw together.
9.  Ride bikes.
10.  Go for a walk around the neighborhood.
11.  Garden together.
12.  Visit a neighbor.
13.  Do something special for an elderly person such as clean their house, do their errands, cook, or visit.
14.  Write a card or letter to someone.
15.  Sing songs.
16.  Play video games together.
17.  Pray for the needy.
18.  Make Oobleck.
19.  Go through all of the toys and organize them.
20.  Visit a farm to pick fruits and vegetables.
21. Have a picnic lunch.
22. Play board games.
23. Create a photo book or scrapbook.
24. Go camping.
25. Tell jokes.

Also, check out these free winter fun ideas. What low cost fun activities can you suggest?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Telling our kids “no” is inevitable.  Here are some tips to make it a little easier.

1)  Use emphathetic and understanding statements. “I understand that you want this new outfit for the dance, but it’s not in the budget.  Maybe we could find something on the clearance rack or at the thrift store that you would like.”  “I’m sorry that you feel this way.”

2)  Teach them to be creative and unique. Show your child how to create their own style.  Teach them how to repurpose old things.

3)  Provide them opportunities to earn money. If your child wants something special then tell them they can have it so long as they earn the money.  You can even explain how you work for the things the family has.

4)  Compromise. If your child really wants something and you can tell it’s not just a passing thought, then find a way to work with them.  If the item is $75, then maybe they can earn half of the money through extra chores around the house and you can pay for the rest of the item.

5)  Set an example. If you are out frivilously spending money and making impulse purchases, then you are teaching your children that this kind of behavior is acceptable.  Yes, you’re the adult and you can make your own decisions, but it’s wise to teach your children how to make smart financial choices.

Do you have any tips for telling children “no”?

image sxc.hu

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1)  Grocery store customer cards – Some stores, such as Food Lion have a program for schools.  Basically, the school registers at the grocery store and then the parents, grandparents, etc register their store card under the school’s account.  The school automatically gets proceeds from the sales.  There’s no need to sell anything.

2)  Restaurant fundraiser - Your child’s school can sign up at a restaurant such as Chick-Fil-A for a special fundraiser night.  Proceeds from that night go to the school.  Again, no need to sell anything.  If you want to show your support, you just come to the restaurant to eat.

3)  Cookie dough - Most people like cookie dough, especially around the holidays.  It’s easy to sell and it brings in a lot of money.  I was talking to a teacher last month and she said their school made about $10,000!

4)  Invest-in-a-Kid – My kids’ school does a fundraiser where they don’t sell anything. They simply ask for monetary donations for things the school needs.  It gives parents an opportunity to just give without having to sell.

5)  Candy bars -  These are a bit more aggravating, but pretty easy to sell.  After all, they’re only a buck. Most anyone will buy a candy bar. People don’t have to wait around for something to be ordered.

6)  Sodas - Schools can partner up with a soda company such as Pepsi or Coca-Cola. They take orders and money for the soda and then the soda is picked at the school on the arranged date. No delivery needed.  Usually the soda is about the same price as the soda from the grocery store.

7)  Read-a-thon or Walk-a-thon – Most people don’t mind donating money if the kids are going to do something useful like reading or walking.

8)  Silent auction – Parents and the community donate items of value.  It’s an easy fundraiser and you can get some great bargains.

9)  Coupon books – Each year my husband and I buy at least one coupon book which has coupons for dining out and entertainment.  The books generally sell for $20 and the school gets $10 for each book sold.  Most coupons in the book are for buy 1 get 1 free.

10)  Dinner or festival – Have a dinner or festival for the community.  Usually, schools serve spaghetti because it’s an easy, cheap meal.  Perhaps the school could do a fundraiser dinner and silent auction on the same night.

11)  Buy a privilege.  Some schools have one day each month where the kids can pay $1 to wear a hat to school.  I’ve also heard of paying $1 to wear a costume, flip flops, or crazy clothes.

12)  Box tops  – Most schools participate in this program and it’s super easy with no pressure.  Simply save the box tops from specially marked products.  The schools get 10 cents for each box top.

What do you think of these fundraiser ideas?  Do you have any others to add to the list?

image sxc.hu

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Bad parenting or smart use of time?  Let us know what you think.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

And yes, I am talking from experience.  Not fussing, Tracie.  Just find another reason to be upset with your kids.  That one was your fault just like mine were mine.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

My knack for thriftiness was given to me by my mother.  We were not wealthy growing up and my mom did the best that she could to make her dollars stretch.  She would constantly scrutinize the cost of items.  I learned as I watched her read sales papers, clip coupons, check price per unit, scope out clearance sales, and go back to the customer service desk for a refund on overcharged items. 

There have been many times in my life that I have been frugal out of necessity and there are times that I’m thrifty just because I can’t stand to spend more for something than I should. 

You’re obviously reading this site because you want to learn how to get the most for your dollars.  As parents, we also need to teach our children about money and finances so that they understand it’s value and do not become irresponsible overindulging spenders that have no money to their name and tons of debt.

Here are some tips for teaching your children about money:

1.  Take them to the grocery store.  Let them help you add up your totals and stay within your budget.

2.  Show them how you shop using the sales papers, making a grocery list, and clipping coupons in order to save.

3.  Give them a small allowance or afford them opportunities to earn a little money.  Even if it is only 50 cents a week, it will provide an learning experience.  (FYI: I believe that every child should contribute to the household.  I don’t think children should be paid for every little thing that they do, but I do agree with giving them opportunities to earn money.)

4.  Don’t buy them whatever they want.  Teach them to save for the things they want.  This will help avoid instant gratification problems with debt and will help them learn the value of saving.

5.  Let your child know that you can’t afford to buy everything.  Talk about how much the item costs.  Encourage your child to ask for extra jobs to earn the money.

6.  Talk with your child about every day expenses.  My daughter is 4-years-old and I have already began talking with her about the cost of water, electric, food, and our home.  She understands that it takes money to live.  Try to keep the conversation on the child’s level.

7.  Teach your children about the dangers of debt.  Personally, I think debt is pushed and marketed to us entirely too much.  When a student goes to college, there will be credit card companies with booths set up all around campus to help your child in case of an emergency to push your child into an ever so easy indulge now and pay later lifestyle.

8.  Discuss financial decisions with your child so that they have a better understanding of how things work and the importance of making the right decisions.  Discuss the pros and cons of making the decisions.

9.  Explain the bigger picture.  Explain that going on vacation doesn’t just require money for a hotel.  Explain the expenses of gas, food, entry fees, and any other expenses you may inquire.  If your child is old enough, perhaps you could have your child help you figure out how much the vacation will cost and develop a budget together.

10.  Teach your child to share with others that are less fortunate.  Our family has decided to sponsor a child in Haiti.  We have explained how poor the Haitian people are and my daughter wants to do extra chores to help earn money for them.  This will be a good learning experience for my children as they learn to help others and are appreciative of what they have.    

Do you have any tips to share?

image from sxc.hu

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

• Homework Helper
• Potty Training
• Stop Thumb Sucking
• Clean Your Room
• Teeth Brushing
• Sleep All Night
• Magical Manners
• Doctor/Dentist Good Patient Award

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Char at Weary Parent posted a list of 13 things we need to teach our children.  Here are a few that I like:

• We all make mistakes and can learn from them. [I'd like to add we can learn from other's mistakes too!!!]
• Not all gratification is instant.  Some things are worth the wait.
• How to deal with bullies, mean people, and rude people

I think Char has a pretty good list.  To the list I’d like to add, “The world does not revolve around you.”  That may sound harsh, but in my years of teaching I have met quite a few along the way that acted like the world revolved around them.  They are impatient, whiny, demanding, and insensitive to others, and I have to say a total pain to be around. 

Here is a famous quote that we should all live by, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Post from: Thrifty Mommy