I try VERY hard to not shop with my little ones. I love them, and love spending time with them….but shopping with children makes my brain whirl especially if I am trying to use coupons.
Saturday I ran into Winco really quick, and took my 5 year old Mckeely with me. She is such a good girl and I really enjoyed spending a few minutes with her one on one. She made me smile when she would see something she wanted, then ask, “Mommy do you have a coupon for this?” She knows that just because she wants it does not mean that she will get it.
This is something I struggle with a little bit, I want to make my kids happy and give them special treats, as a way to let them know I love them. BUT I also want to teach them gratitude, self control and just because you want something does not mean you can have it. It is often harder for me to tell them no…than to just get it. She asked if she could have cookies, I told her I would be happy to make some with her at home. I then asked her if she could help me pick out some fruit. We talked about what fruits and veggies were on sale this week. Then I let her pick them out, teaching her to look for bad spots, ripeness and then let her count them and bag them.
She was thrilled to be my helper, so proud that she picked out the peaches, nectarines, corn, grapes, and broccoli all by herself….she had forgotten all about the cookies. She was so excited to go tell Daddy what she did.
I share this with you because this is how I was raised. I often wanted things at the store that were not on my moms shopping list, was I a bit disappointed to not get everything that looked good to me…yes. But Mom taught me a greater lesson, when she did get a special treat we realized it was just that, something special. I only hope I can teach my kids the came lessons.
Comments are closed.