Don't feel bad, the only time I went to the fair was on unlimited wristband day, and thats a habit I kept after I had my own job and paid my own way!

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:love:

Don't feel mean! We often have to set limitations to what we do when we go to things like that- or you will spend it all in a few minutes time! We unfortunately have not gone to a fair ground since - hmm- actually the last time I went to a fair ground was when my oldest was about 4 years old and my mom and stepdad took us! Me and my DH have never taken the kids. For the price it is for all of us to got there and ride on the rides- it is cheaper for us to get a ride all day pass to the local amusement park (when they offer the deeply discount school picnic tickets!)- that is what we do in lieu of going to the local county fair and farm show.

Having a lot of kids and going to these things are really expensive- I think that they had a wonderful time (yes they may be disappointed in not being able to do everything that they may of wanted to do!), and they lesson that they have learned for when they get older is priceless! So don't you worry about being mean- you could of been really mean and told them earlier in the year you were going but when the time came around- you decided against it!

I have started to have my DS help in money decisions that involve entertainment. Last week, we planned to go to the new Harry Potter movie -- cost, $11.00. I planned to spend about $20.00 for the day. I explained that we could eat at Burger King for lunch or we could get a small popcorn at the movie. DS had to make the decision.

I think this will help him learn that it is better to know your budget, plan ahead, and make wise decisions. He does a good job!

The ice cream truck is just another symbol of our "got to have it now" mentality! I think there is another good money lesson there for kids in not joining the crowd. Have you seen the credit card commercial where the girl breaks the heel on her shoe? Some good looking guys swoop her up, find her a new dress, new hairstyle, and new shoes and she goes dancing down the road, like happily ever after! After watching that commercial, my DS says, "Yeah, but she has to pay for all of that later with interest! Whew!

Mar

Ok , I must be a real meanie here - but I Don't Even Tell My Kids that the Fairs are Going On .... And If they Are old enough to Find out From a Friend ... Then they are old enough to know that they are nothing but a Ripoff - IMO:

We take our kids to an amusment Park every Year -
And Yeah it costs us About 100.00 for the All day Passes - But The Rides are Better and Safer.

And we Pack a Pinic for lunch take Lots of drinks -

We also allow them to Play a couple Games and we eat dinner there and they can all have a Treat later in the Evening ....

So its about a 200.00 day ....

But One time - and Only one time We tried the "budget thing" at one Fair and we ended up spending 50.00 and left with Unhappy kids - after saying Many No's all day


I'd rather take My kids Once a Year and Plan money wise for it - and Let them Tottally Have Fun and Me be Stress Free - Cause they can Ride the Roller Coaster 10 times and They Often Forget about wanting that 5.00 ice cream

I agree don't feel quilty you are certianly not the first or only one to put a cap on spending. Our fair is in September thank goodness dd is too little for rides yet.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006

You are teaching your children how to have fun the financially responsible way. It's our job as parents to raise our children to become responsible adults. Too many people today have lost sight of that fact.