Paying my kids to order water!!!

[DisMommyTX]

My family generally chooses water for both cost and health. Even if soda comes with the kids meals, I may offer kids the option of a sugary drink OR dessert, not both. I think it is good for them to make their own choices, but also realize that a sugary soda is more like a cookie than a glass of water.

In terms of cost savings on souvenirs and such, I we encourage the kids (and DH and I as well) to shop around and see what they like best within their budget. Then I promise we will come back before we leave to buy their choice. Eliminating impulse buys has had a very positive impact on our budget overall.

Also, for the "I want to buy it with my own money purchases" I almost always insist that we split the cost. DD pays half, we pay half, and we always have to give final approval . Gives them some autonomy and recognition of the value of money without us giving up veto power.

Kids are still young, but it seems to be working well so far.

 

[AmyAnne]

What? Paying them to order water? Why can't you just say, we are all ordering water instead of sodas at restaurants from now on. We did that with our kids.

I am surprised by these comments. Do you all really not see the difference between telling your kids what to do and allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions so that they learn how to make good choices? "Because I say so" only works for so long. As the parent of four teenagers and young adults, I can say that teaching kids to make good decisions is far more important that having them do what you say just because you say it.

Of course it's a different story if the OP was opposed to her kids having soda because they couldn't afford it. But at some point, parents have to stop making decisions for their kids and teach them how to make good decisions FOR THEMSELVES.

 

[ldo]

I explain to my kids/teens that water is better and for where it costs extra, we save $10 as a family by getting water and that $ allows us to go on more vacations. They get it and don't balk. My Dr. told me when my kids were little that 1 soda a week was the limit for a kid, and I have upped it to 2 a week for teens--not a hard limit, but guideline. My kids know soda is a splurge--hopefully, they keep that good habit when they are on their own. On vacation, if it is included like DCL, I let them have whatever they want that week.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

I explain to my kids that it's roughly 15 bucks for 5 sodas out and to think about how many sodas that would be at the store. But I don't give them the difference!

 

[shoney]

I would never drink water with a meal. I don't like it. If we are out, I will order soda or most likely wine or beer.
I offer them a soda as well.
I do ask that they sip it until the meal comes, because free refills are not common around here unless it is a chain restaurant. I don't want them chugging it down the minute they sit down. Now, if they need another soda with their meal that is another story. They learned at an early age to ask if there were free refills LOL

 

[HM]

I am surprised by these comments. Do you all really not see the difference between telling your kids what to do and allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions so that they learn how to make good choices? "Because I say so" only works for so long. As the parent of four teenagers and young adults, I can say that teaching kids to make good decisions is far more important that having them do what you say just because you say it.

Of course it's a different story if the OP was opposed to her kids having soda because they couldn't afford it. But at some point, parents have to stop making decisions for their kids and teach them how to make good decisions FOR THEMSELVES.

I'm surprised at this reply to mine. It isn't....I'm telling you what to do, so you better like it....it's a we are saving money by forgoing sodas at restaurants thing. They certainly could understand that four people getting sodas or tea was costing an extra $10 - $12 a meal and it could be better spent on other things. If they had objected, we would have discussed it. I certainly allow my children to make decisions of their own (and mine are now 20 and 22' and making plenty of their own).

 

[Marionnette]

I am surprised by these comments. Do you all really not see the difference between telling your kids what to do and allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions so that they learn how to make good choices? "Because I say so" only works for so long. As the parent of four teenagers and young adults, I can say that teaching kids to make good decisions is far more important that having them do what you say just because you say it.

Of course it's a different story if the OP was opposed to her kids having soda because they couldn't afford it. But at some point, parents have to stop making decisions for their kids and teach them how to make good decisions FOR THEMSELVES.

Sorry, but when the kids are paying for dinner, they get to decide how the $'s get spent. Until then, I got to dictate - yes, I said DICTATE - how my money got spent. It's no different than telling the kiddos that they could not have designer jeans when Levis would do just as fine. Or that they did not need the latest version of Xbox to replace their 360. My money. My choice.

As the parent of 3 young adults, I can say that they learned more from the examples that I set than they would have by allowing them to make an unhealthy choice and expecting them to face the consequences of that choice months or even years later.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I tried telling my kids if they drank water, they'd get dessert at home but it didn't work once they saw their Dad getting a few beers.

So now we all just get want we want - if that choice is a soda so be it. It's one reason why we don't eat out much.

 

[twinkleintc]

I like the idea of offering the choice of cash or soda & will try it w/my granddaughter. We don't go to fast food restaurants so we have pay extra for her soda which is usually the same price as an adult soda. She is 8 & likes to have cash in her purse so it may work. Thanks for the idea!

 

[DawnM]

I agree, my children need to know that I am the parent and they need to follow the direction I give them. Once you give in they expect it all the time and then you have more problems than ever.

Eh, I gave in sometimes. I said no sometimes. My kids are turning out to be great kids, and don't expect to get their way all the time.

I even got many compliments when they were little and asked for candy in the check out isle and when I said no they dropped it. People were surprised my kids didn't throw a fit. But you know what? Sometimes I said YES!

 

[gracie1]

I'd never bribe my kids. If I wanted them to have water at the dinner table, then they would be drinking water and that's all there would be to it. And if there was any fuss, they would learn that Mom doesn't mess around. It would be a very long time before they saw the inside of a restaurant again. that being said, I don't see where taking money from your pocket and giving it to your kid, rather than the restaurant, is saving YOU anything.

As far as unorthodox tips: I rarely use paper towels for cleaning. I have a basket of assorted rags (old towels, t-shirts and sheets) that serve my purposes for 98% of the household chores. Just like my mother and grandmothers before her. Sometimes, old-school is best. Paper towels are reserved for only the messiest of jobs and for my husband who cannot grasp the concept of using a rag. At $1.50/roll and 1-2 rolls per week, it's not a huge savings. But in a year, I save about $100.

Are you related to my mom? Lol! She was the same way - we didn't get bribes when we were kids. You listened to your parents and that was that! And if you had a melt down or misbehaved it would be awhile before you saw the inside of that restaurant. You knew when you were starting to cross the line when you got the look!!

 

[gracie1]

DS6 hates soda and refuses to drink it. When we go out to eat he's allowed to order whatever he wants to drink since it's typically included with the meal. He really enjoys lemonade and loves white milk (he doesn't like chocolate). For the last 6 months he will only order water. That's what he asks for at home and that's what he prefers at restaurants. I used to send him to school with 100% apple juice and he said, "Mom, that's 100% sugar!"

We drank so much soda growing up and it was a hard habit to break. I drink soda less than once a month now and I don't even enjoy it anymore. I do like sweet tea because I'm southern but prefer water when I am eating. The cost of ordering a soda or tea is almost as much as ordering alcohol now. At happy hour it's cheaper to order a Stella at Carrabba's than it is to order a tea.

You are very lucky to have a child like that!!! Especially at his age! I think that's great.

 

[gracie1]

OP asked:



Why is so hard for people to either answer the question asked or just move on? I see this all the time on these threads. A person asks a specific question and instead of giving an answer to that people jump in with how their way is better, their parenting is better, they would never do that, etc.... She didn't ask if you agree with her. She asked for money saving ideas.
I don't think she bribed her kids, I think she gave them a choice: you may have soda or you may have the money I would use to pay for the soda, it's your choice. It's the same choice I am given as an adult all the time. But if I did disagree with what she did I seriously doubt that me publicly criticizing her would make her change her mind.
This is a board devoted to saving money, she asked a money question; seems pretty simple to me and no judgement needed.

Asking for money saving tips really doesn't apply - the op is still spending the money. Instead of spending it on the soda she is bribing them and giving them the same amount of money the soda costs if they order water. So really there is no saving of money

 

[Narnia_girl]

Asking for money saving tips really doesn't apply - the op is still spending the money. Instead of spending it on the soda she is bribing them and giving them the same amount of money the soda costs if they order water. So really there is no saving of money

I just see no benefit to tearing down a person's parenting when they are asking for ideas. But lots of people have no problem doing so. In addition to teaching me about money and obeying her rules my mother also instilled in us that kindness is always welcome.
And with that I wish you a good day.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

OP asked:



Why is so hard for people to either answer the question asked or just move on? I see this all the time on these threads. A person asks a specific question and instead of giving an answer to that people jump in with how their way is better, their parenting is better, they would never do that, etc.... She didn't ask if you agree with her. She asked for money saving ideas.
I don't think she bribed her kids, I think she gave them a choice: you may have soda or you may have the money I would use to pay for the soda, it's your choice. It's the same choice I am given as an adult all the time. But if I did disagree with what she did I seriously doubt that me publicly criticizing her would make her change her mind.
This is a board devoted to saving money, she asked a money question; seems pretty simple to me and no judgement needed.

I am surprised by these comments. Do you all really not see the difference between telling your kids what to do and allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions so that they learn how to make good choices? "Because I say so" only works for so long. As the parent of four teenagers and young adults, I can say that teaching kids to make good decisions is far more important that having them do what you say just because you say it.

Of course it's a different story if the OP was opposed to her kids having soda because they couldn't afford it. But at some point, parents have to stop making decisions for their kids and teach them how to make good decisions FOR THEMSELVES.

I just see no benefit to tearing down a person's parenting when they are asking for ideas. But lots of people have no problem doing so. In addition to teaching me about money and obeying her rules my mother also instilled in us that kindness is always welcome.
And with that I wish you a good day.

Nice to see some kindness, rather than judgement. I'm guessing those parents who find it so easy to judge others are going to pass that intolerance down to their children.

 

[PerfessorZ]

My question is...what other unorthodox tips or tricks have you tried to save extra money?

I know this is the anonymous internet and we all love to sit in judgement of other people, but I'll try to briefly bring this back around to OP's actual question.

I don't know what's orthodox or unorthodox, but I've tried quite a multitude of ways of saving money.

When gas was $4 a gallon around here, I learned how to "hypermile" - drive in such a fashion to really maximize fuel consumption. I took my 1996 Toyota Camry (w/200k miles on it) from averaging around 31mpg to 44 mpg by doing things driving slower, trying to time traffic lights, pulse-gliding, and never taking the drive-thru anywhere. Considering I usually drive about 20k miles a year, that added up.

Other things I've done are re-use brown paper lunch bags, salvaging discarded wooden shipping palettes for home projects, and learning how to cut down trees so I didn't have to hire someone.

 

[pocomom]

First I would like to point out that OP is saving money , if she would have given her kids some for the trip and let them order sodas otherwise.
And she is helping her kids realize the value in forgoing expensive drinks.
While everyone jumped on the "I'm the boss" bandwagon, let's remember that kids grow up, helping them make their own responsible choices is far more valuable then just demanding obedience.

Now as far as what I do:

My kids earn through chores etc a Disney gift card and some cash each before we go. My only rule is they can't spend it all on candy. I do help discuss choices especially with the younger ones, but if they spend it all on Lego the first day that's their choice. They know that is it.
It covers all toys, candy, gifts and food above the meals I plan for, and I only plan for water as a drink. My little one needs a little assistance in keeping track of balance etc. but he was 5 last time we went and it still worked great.
Generally the kids have about $100 a piece split evenly between gift card and cash, and normally we take longer trips of 2 weeks including driving and stopping at various spots like the Space Center on the way. Last time my oldest saved all of the cash for her college savings account, and spent her gift card on a few trinkets for friends and a family snack. My middle spent hers early and had a great life lesson and my little guy was just giddy over having his own money.
Some might argue that I'm spending not saving money, but I would have bought some of these things myself otherwise, and I would have spent a lot more time scooping kitty litter and shoveling the driveway- so savings to me!

 

[pocomom]

Also I use rags instead of paper towels, "homemade" cleaner of lemon vinegar, dawn and water , and we have a basket of cloth napkins on the table- I bought them all on clearance and change some out seasonally-so they are festive too.
Incidentally my dd 10, just did a pathogen lab for a science fair and found our homemade cleaner disinfected better than lysol spray, clorox wipes, method cleaner, windex and steam.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Also I use rags instead of paper towels, "homemade" cleaner of lemon vinegar, dawn and water , and we have a basket of cloth napkins on the table- I bought them all on clearance and change some out seasonally-so they are festive too.
Incidentally my dd 10, just did a pathogen lab for a science fair and found our homemade cleaner disinfected better than lysol spray, clorox wipes, method cleaner, windex and steam.

Would you share your homemade cleaner recipe?

 

[pocomom]

Would you share your homemade cleaner recipe?

Not so much a recipe - but I fill a mason jar with our citrus peels and cover with vinegar. Throw it under the sink until I need it. Then I just pour the vinegar in a spray bottle maybe a little more than half way, add some squirts of Dawn and top off with water. I like using vinegar but didn't like the smell- the lemon or orange adds a nice aroma as does the dawn. Cleans great, super cheap!