Lately my son has noticed that some friends/family are the "haves" and we are the "have nots". He doesn't understand why he can't get what he wants whenever he wants it. For example we were on vacation and my grandmother gave him $6.00 to spend. He also got some money from my mom, so he had about $20 all together. Well he spent some on ice cream and a little candy as a treat. Then we went out one day and he saw a $10.00 train he wanted (it was a piece of junk). Underneath the train display were some cheaper cars. I explained that he only had $7.00 left of his money and that we had a budget for the trip. He had a fit! We ended up leaving the store so he could throw his tantrum outside. What made it worse was that my brother-in-law let my nephew get whatever he wanted. (They are the type of people that live way, way outside their means.) Eventually DS calmed down and politely asked if he could go back in and get a jeep that was $6.00.

I know it's early but I'm dreading the holidays this year. We are definitely frugal, but he has everything he needs and then some. I'm a SAHM so money is always tight. How do I explain this to him without going over his head. Any advice would be appreciated.

Dave Ramsey has a book for 3-12 year olds. I do not recall the name though. Maybe you can check it out of your local library for free.

This is interesting, because I'm going to be dealing with this issue in the very near future with my 8- and 10-year olds. Granted, while they are older than your son, the haves vs. have nots scenario is a universal one for any age.

Of course, it's easy to say "Just be firm and consistent" when dealing with store situations/wants like you experienced, but it's easier said than done. Best of luck.

I just found this article today on this very subject.

5 Money Lessons for Preschoolers.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/16/mark...ex.htm?cnn=yes

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