Comments on: The Money Tree

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 07 May 2014 01:11:37 +0000

This is something I worry about a lot, too. Every single night, when Grace goes to bed, she says prayers which are really a long list of “thanks for” clauses. One she almost always includes “thanks for my parents who give me everything I need and most things that I want” and I always feel proud but should it be actually fewer than most? Should it be only a few? I don’t know. xox

By: Kim S

Kim S — Tue, 06 May 2014 12:18:41 +0000

Em, I struggle with this, too. I’ve often said I almost wish we didn’t have the money to give to them. And I’m frustrated by the child who wants money, but doesn’t want to earn it(because I’m never “paying” enough). I feel like I should cut that child off and say, until you decide to work for it, you’re going to have to go without. It is by far the most contentious issue I have with this otherwise wonderful kid.

By: jennifer jones

jennifer jones — Mon, 05 May 2014 19:47:58 +0000

Emily, Very well said! I too worried about just this same “management of my children” and they sound as if they were similarly raised to your boys. What i can tell you is that both my sons now 22, and 25 have good jobs, work hard, and worked their way through college. This is all despite having us give them money like it seems you have. What we did talk about all the time is how fortunate we were. They too saved the money they earned and didn’t spend it without being conscious of where and what they were buying. I bet you are setting a great example despite being generous. I am sure you are telling them why are you are doing what you are doing. Great post.