My kids received some money for Christmas from reletives. And I kept thinking after Christmas I would see what they got, what they didnt and let them spend the money on something they wanted. But in reality, they have tons of toys, too many. SO I thought that I would take some of the money and do other things with it, but then I feel that its their money.
First my daughter wants to do gymnastics again, its 40$ fora 6 week seesion. We havent done it since spring, simply because we havent had any extra money. So I thought 40$ for that. Then Spring soccer signups are coming up. This season my husband wants us to sign up my daughter, that is 50$ for each.
Does it seem wrong to use the Christmas money for that? Truthfully they dont even realize there is extra money.
Since my daughter started preschool this yr, we have had no extra money. Its not that her preschool is expensive, just an expensive we never had before. So we have had no extra money.
Guess I kind of feel like a bad mom in a way, using their money for stuff like that, instead of toys?

By Kittycat_26 on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 10:17 am:

My thoughts are that as long as you are using it for something that is for the kids then you shouldn't feel bad at all.

This year, my mom actually paid for Timmy's swimming lessons. That was part of his Christmas present and she was happy to do that. It meant that she didn't add to my large collection of toys but was still giving something to him.

IMHO.......register the kids for the activites and let them enjoy.

By Mrse on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 11:02 am:

No that is absolutley fine, Let the kids know they have the money from christmas, from X then give them some activity choices, and get them to choose, then what I have done in the past is to get the kids to phone X and thank them for the money themselves, and to tell them that they are taking x lessons. The reason people give money is because they don't know what that person neededs and if it is lessons of some sort then so be it. It also does not hurt a bit, to let kids know that money does not grow on tree's. Thier are so many teens that expect so much, but do not have a clue, of the actual cost of things. My kids know very well, how much things cost, as Latley if they want money to get the extras they are paying for it out of their own money. I wish I had the money to hand over, but we just don't. Never to early to learn how to budget money.

By Mrse on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 11:02 am:

No that is absolutley fine, Let the kids know they have the money from christmas, from X then give them some activity choices, and get them to choose, then what I have done in the past is to get the kids to phone X and thank them for the money themselves, and to tell them that they are taking x lessons. The reason people give money is because they don't know what that person neededs and if it is lessons of some sort then so be it. It also does not hurt a bit, to let kids know that money does not grow on tree's. Thier are so many teens that expect so much, but do not have a clue, of the actual cost of things. My kids know very well, how much things cost, as Latley if they want money to get the extras they are paying for it out of their own money. I wish I had the money to hand over, but we just don't. Never to early to learn how to budget money.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 11:32 am:

Dd recieved a check from an injury she recieved in a store. It wasn't a large amount. She had just had her bday and christmas and she had anything and everything she could possibly want and need. So, I took the kids to Sea World. They both had a blast. Dd loves "fish." I felt bad at first but dd had a really good time and probably wouldn't have gotten to go any other way.

By Brandy on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 01:54 pm:

I think it is just fine for you to do like everyone else has mentioned you are still using it for them right = ) and if that's the only way they can do it i say go for it.That's like this year money isn't to good either so we don't know if the boys are going to be able to do racing or not but I can't really feel too bad because they have been the past 3 or so years.That's alot of money.But i have been collecting them some toys for next Christmas already = )

By Tklinreston on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 02:07 pm:

Since you're using it for the enjoyment of the kids, I think it's fine, too. Frankly, I think soccer and gymnastics would be a lot more beneficial and FUN for them in the long run than toys that they will play with for a short time and then sit in a box gathering dust.