How To Tell The Kids

[Ready2Change]

I give each of my three kids an allowance of 5 dollars every Friday while grocery shopping and say "Spend it wisely"......It's typically gone that day.....Later on in the week I hear "Dad, I want XYZ, can I get it?...I respond "Absolutely, as long as it is age appropriate, you can spend your money on anything you want"...."But dad I don't have any money"...."I guess you will have to save up for that if you really want it"..I DO NOT LET THEIR EMOTIONS OR REACTIONS CHANGE MY DECISIONS..I just validate "I am sorry you feel that way"..."I know, there are things I want but cant afford also"...Real world lessons at low cost....

You need to LEAD. Time for reality.

70/30 split. THIS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. Real world bills get paid.
Mortgage always get paid first. Then Utilities. Then food for the kids. Natural consequence FOR HER. "Time to pay mortgage, I need your 30%"

If she doesn't give it to you "I am sorry you are making poor choices". You cover the mortgage and CANCEL CABLE (without telling her). Wait for her to bring it up..."Mortgage needed to get paid". Understand the logic????

Let her buy all the groceries with HER money......