Read Part I of the $100 Allowance here.
A mother can hardly believe her ears when her child asks, “Mom, can I have underwear for my birthday?” That’s exactly what my daughter, Mia, said to me, and she was completely sincere.
One year prior, as she entered eighth grade, Mia proposed a unique arrangement: a one-time allowance of $100 to last the entire school year. She joyfully drafted a contract, and after a thorough discussion, we both signed it, sealing the deal on her newfound financial freedom.
Mia felt wealthy for precisely eight weeks, but the subsequent eight months brought about a different reality. Surprisingly, those months were not as bleak as they might sound. Here are some valuable lessons she gained during that time:
- The Art of Hustling: Mia quickly embraced the idea of work. Babysitting opportunities were met with enthusiasm, and she eagerly sought out every chance to earn extra cash.
- Embracing Creativity: Instead of spending money on entertainment, Mia opted for free activities with friends. During the holiday season, she crafted homemade gifts, which were cherished just as much (if not more) than store-bought items.
- Learning Frugality: Faced with limited funds, Mia decided against purchasing a yearbook, finding it too expensive. She also began to forgo fast food during sports trips, choosing home-cooked meals instead. Even when it came to an eighth-grade trip to New York City, she hesitated because it would deplete her savings. Ultimately, she took on a babysitting job with me to earn her way. Although I accompanied her, she took the lead and earned the trip. She brought minimal spending money, which meant no junk food or unnecessary souvenirs, leading to memorable moments instead of material clutter.
- Fostering Independence: Mia thrived on being in charge of her own finances. Earning her trip to New York was no small feat, and there were moments when she asked me to leave so she could take charge on her own. I appreciated this newfound sense of responsibility.
- Cultivating Gratitude: Almost immediately, I noticed a shift in Mia’s attitude. Each time I bought her something, even a simple item like her favorite soup, she expressed immense appreciation. For Christmas, when she requested running shoes and tall brown boots, her excitement was palpable because she felt responsible for her own desires.
- Achieving Peace: Our shopping trips transformed. Mia no longer pleaded for clothes or accessories; instead, we enjoyed browsing together, discussing the pros and cons of potential purchases. Occasionally, she still tests my resolve with pleas like, “Please, Mom, I’ll pay you back!” but I’ve learned to stand firm.
- Becoming a Budgeting Expert: While “expert” might be a stretch, Mia keeps a handwritten ledger documenting her income and expenses. She allocates 10% for charity, 20% for her college fund, and keeps the remaining 70% for personal use. Websites like www.themint.org can assist families in managing their finances.
As Mia transitioned to high school, her allowance increased, yet we still provided support for necessary expenses like iPads and team fees. Despite these additional costs, Mia now approaches requests with gratitude rather than demands. The dress and shoes she purchased for a semi-formal consumed her savings, but it was a decision she owned, making it all the more valuable to her.
This weekend, Mia is babysitting after a busy week of school and sports. She has even secured a summer job to continue funding her desires. Sometimes, I worry she is taking on too much responsibility at such a young age. Shouldn’t my 14-year-old be enjoying her free time and participating in summer camps? Perhaps this is just the unique concern of modern parenting.
Our family dynamics are far from perfect; we are constantly adjusting our routines. However, the $100 allowance worked because Mia initiated the idea and fully committed to it.
And yes, she did receive that underwear for her birthday, and she was absolutely delighted.
For more information on parenting, including navigating the journey of home insemination, check out our other blog posts on artificial insemination kits and impregnator kits. If you’re looking for additional support, Healthline offers great resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Mia’s journey with her $100 allowance provided her essential life lessons in work ethic, creativity, budgeting, and gratitude. While she navigated the challenges of financial independence, she also learned the importance of making informed decisions and appreciating the value of her purchases. Ultimately, this experience fostered a sense of responsibility, independence, and maturity that will serve her well in the future.
Leave a Reply