"Dad, I need a moped" - How to deal with large children's wishes

The older children become, the more they orient themselves to the outside world. Friends, TV, advertising, and the Internet create desires that are often too big for parents to simply - or want to - fulfill their child. The children have to be brought on board and have their own thoughts on how big wishes can be financed.

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Do not hesitate to include your child not only in the considerations, but also in the specific financing, because this has several positive aspects: Your child will appreciate the expensive purchase much more if it has done something for itself. At the same time, it learns that things have value and that you have to work to fulfill your wishes.

Gifts of money - when do they make sense?

If a child wants something extra expensive, such as a moped or a new computer, it is often common for parents and grandparents to co-finance the purchase of money for Christmas or birthday.

However, money as a gift for children at the earliest from the primary school sense. Toddlers - who usually do not have such expensive wishes - can not do anything with money, they have no relation to it. However, instead of a large gift, a smaller one can be bought and a certain amount of money is deposited in an account for the fulfillment of later wishes.

Basically, also applies to older children and teenagers: Larger gifts of money belong on the account and not in the purse. Especially when an expensive wish is to be realized, your child learns saving at the same time.

What can the child contribute financially?

If a child has a large desire - and meaningful in the eyes of the parents - they will and should usually pay part of the cost. For the remaining amount should be considered together with the child where it comes from. One source is the money already saved by the child, and relatives may still be asked for help. In addition, the child can also earn some money for it. This is pedagogically meaningful and conveys a feeling for the value of the money and later also the purchase. Depending on the age of the child, either activities for parents, friends and relatives are possible or the child accepts his first paid part-time job . In the circle of acquaintances and relatives, activities such as picking up leaves, turning the streets, shopping or similar smaller activities can be done. Paid jobs for teenagers can be: advertising, babysitting or mowing the lawn. It is important for every kind of secondary occupation that school and recreation are not neglected.

Parents as lenders

If you are in a hurry to buy, but the money is not yet complete, you can give your child a loan. For this to work smoothly, there must be clear agreements - which are actually best written down - when and how will the amount be repaid? This is the crucial question that you need to answer with your child. You can arrange different options for repayment. Either, the child pays back the amount by making the necessary money with a part-time job. Alternatively, you can withhold part of the pocket money or have the loan "processed". Amounts are set for special assistance in the household. For example, if your child washes your car, a set amount will be deducted from the debt account. If you make such an agreement with your child, you should comply with these and the agreed rules. Only then will your child learn about the binding nature of agreements and contracts.

It is good to fulfill your children's wishes. Taking them financially involved in larger purchases has a pedagogically very valuable aspect and additionally relieves the parents' finances.