Can I have some money?
This is usually the question of older kids who just can’t seem to stop wanting to buy a drink, something to eat, or anything they lay their eyes on. This situation would of course add to the burden of being a single parent on a tight budget. Don’t lose your cool – there is a way to handle this!
Again, “psyching up” your kids is the key.
Before you leave, you have to go over the expenses with them. For younger children, it would be good to just give them an idea that there is a limit as to how much you are going to spend each day on treats and other purchases. If they can understand, you can mention the amount. Then, each day during the vacation, you can update them as how much of the limit has been spent. That way, they can have certain control over what they spend.
For older kids, the idea is the same.
You give them a budget or allowance for the whole trip. This will include their own expenses as well as gifts for friends, perhaps. You can then choose to divide the allowance up for each day so that they can exercise more restraint. This is in fact, a good opportunity for them to learn how to budget.
Kids 16 and above would probably have a part time job.
If not, it would be a good time to introduce them to this concept. They can actually contribute to your trip – another way of teaching them how to be independent and responsible.
(to be continued)
Image from: Stock.xchng