As a online and brick & mortar store owner, I have my kids around LOTs of retail items, and mostly toys, no less. I will say, for the most part, they are very good about knowing what is OK to play with and what is for sale, and NOT OK to play with.
I do struggle, however, with how to teach my 3 and 6 year old boys the importance of giving back. So, I did what any good parent does, and researched to create my strategy.
A few of our ideas:
We like to give each kids a (very modest) budget for 'checking off' those on the list closest to them. We encourage them to either pool their money for that special item, or use it to buy craft/art supplies to make their gifts. Framed artwork, special school projects, handwritten poems or letters always mean so much more (and sentimentally worth more) than anything purchased for any amount of money.
Volunteer as a family for money collections, donate your time at a food bank or soup kitchen. Show kids that these can be fun and rewarding ways to 'give'.
Have kids help pick out a "Heifer International"(or similar organization) gift or other gift that keeps on giving (that is, donates a certain percentage to a good cause)
Have a discussion about all of the things (maybe some that we take for granted) you have as a family or as an individual, and help kids recognize that 'having' isn't only about material things.
Here are a few great articles that shine light on how to enlighten kids on the art and rewards of 'giving'. (and there are endless articles)
There are nearly 400 National Parks in the United States, and they provide a great way to save money and give the kids a great travel experience (yes even as the cold weather approaches).
Most popular - do you have a guess? Grand Canyon? Yellowstone? No, it's the Great Smokies National Park in TN/NC SEE MORE. With over 800 miles of hiking trails. however, you will still be able to get away from others if you choose!
Check out some of the less visited (but equally spectacular) in a pictoral Slide show (this is wehre we'd rather go, personally!)
Flashcards WORLD landmarks are perfect to pass the miles and learn about (plan!) the NEXT travel destinations
Road Maps for Kids are a fun way to keep kids involved with navigation, or relative placement of states in the United States (and other fun facts too!)
Take your kids once a year (or more, of course) to this great network of protected lands, which the US can take credit for establishing. You'll find yourself enjoying it as much as the kids (and, perhaps more)
Who wants to wait for the 12 days of Christmas? Or, the 8 nights of Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice etc..?
We have decided that starting November 14th we'll feature one of our 80+ brands and put it on sale for that one day. Everything from that manufacturer is 25% off (even includes items that may already be on sale, but note that a minimum purchase of $25 required to received discount).
HOW? Just enter 12daysNOVinto the coupon code box at checkout, and if your items qualify, you will receive the discount. What brands are we going to feature? Even we aren't sure.Check the home page each day!
