I have two daughters, ages 9 and 14. It is not too hard to guess that they like to shop for clothing! Before I knew what was happening, their closets and drawers will filled with clothing that they seldom wore. I started establishing some rules for clothing purchases and here is the process we follow at our house.
One in, Two Out
For every one item of clothing brought into the house (purchased or a gift), the girls must get rid of two similar pieces of clothing that they own. I have started with the one for two option since they have too many clothes right now. When their are less clothes in their room, I will change the rule to one in, one out.
The Budget
Each girl is given a budget for purchases every six months. The first “payment” is in August in time for back to school shopping and the next payment is in February. We determine ahead of time what amount each child should get and these amounts are not always the same. For example, my older daughter is required to purchase certain items of clothing for soccer and this amount is included in the budget.
Clothing, Shoes and Accessories
The budget money is only to be spent on clothing, shoes and accessories (such as bags and belts). I do not allow them to purchase food, video games, movie tickets and the like with this money. I purchase school supplies for them and this does not come out of their budget.
Keep Track
I give each of my girls a notebook for them to keep track of their purchases. They must staple the receipt and keep a running total. I review it with them every two weeks or so.
Exclude Certain Purchases
Some clothing purchases are excluded from the budget. Prom dresses and dresses or outfits for events they are required to attend (family wedding, anniversaries, etc.) are excluded. However, they are required to purchase clothing from their budget money for friends parties.
Discuss Appropriate Purchases
Before you allow your teen or tween to start purchasing, go over with them what is appropriate. At our house, halter tops and belly shirts are on the inappropriate list (as well as other items). If they make a purchase you don’t approve of, make them take it back. Of course, if you just don’t like the color, you might have to live with it!
It’s Your Money
When we are out shopping, and my girls want to make a purchase (that is appropriate), I tell them “It’s Your Money.” My older daughter has learned that spending $25 on one t-shirt is not economical. She can get two or three t-shirts for the same price at a discount store or on sale at a department store.
If I am shopping with my girls I pay for the purchases and then have them write it in their notebooks. If my older daughter goes to the store with friends, I will give her a small amount and have her return all the change and bring back the receipts. Money for food comes out of her chore money.
Don’t Give In
Some kids will want to spend the whole budget at one shot. Don’t give in, if they can not purchase anything until the next budget period. They will better understand how to manage money if you don’t step in when they make mistakes.
My goal as a parent is to raise children into responsible adults. Giving them every thing they could possibly want, does not make them responsible. My daughters have learned that they have to make wise purchases if they want to make their money last for six months.
Recent Comments