Top 10 questions to ask when your kids want to buy something
It’s hard to decide when to buy your kids something they ask for and when to deny them, especially if money is tight.
One solution is to first discuss the purchase with your kids and weigh up the pros and cons.
Here are 10 questions you can ask as part of the discussion.
1. Who is going to pay for it?
This will trigger a discussion about whether the bill should be paid by you, your kids, or split.
2. Why do you want it?
You can discuss if it’s an impulse buy, something your child is longing for or something your child needs – and how to tell the difference.
If it is something your child is longing for, you could encourage them to create a savings goal in their FLX App. Your child can add pocket money towards their goal and keep track of progress.
3. Is it safe or age-appropriate?
This lets you assess whether the item is appropriate for your kid’s age.
You can also consider if the item poses a risk to a younger sibling and discuss the responsibility of owning the item with your child.
4. Have you researched it?
This question will teach your kids to first look for other similar items to compare prices and quality.
If the item is something like a mobile phone or computer, you can encourage them to look at consumer reviews and evaluate if the specifications meet their needs.
5. Do your friends have one?
They may want to buy the item because it’s the latest fad or due to peer pressure.
Talk about whether they really need the item, and the pros and cons of buying it.
6. Is it seasonal?
For example, if there’s an end-of-season sale on winter jackets and your child is still growing, you could discourage your child from buying it or suggest they buy a larger size.
7. How long will it last?
This question isn’t only about quality, it’s also about the appeal of the item. Is it something your child will use only once or something that has longevity?
8. Can it wait?
Ask your kids if they’re willing to wait until their birthday, payday or Christmas. And then ask them again closer to the time if they still want it.
If your child wants the item sooner, you could encourage them to do chores for pocket money. With FLX, you can set up automatic weekly pocket money payments to their FLX card!
9. Do you already have one like it?
If your kids have many toys or clothes, they may request something that is very similar to an item they’ve forgotten about. This question will encourage them to check their belongings.
10. Are you willing to give up another item to get this one?
One way to prevent clutter is to only allow a swap – if your kid gets a new toy or article of clothing, they must select an old one to discard or donate. That way your kids get rid of the things they no longer use.
With FLX, you can transfer your child pocket money, help them set savings goals in the FLX app, and monitor their spending. Learn more about FLX here.
This is general advice. Read the PDSs & TMDs at www.flexischools.com.au/legal before deciding if FLX is right for you. The FLX Services & Flexischools are provided by InLoop Pty Ltd ABN 27 114 508 771 AFSL 471558 (trading as Flexischools). The FLX Prepaid Mastercard is issued by EML Payment Solutions Limited ABN 30 131 436 532 AFSL 404131 pursuant to license by Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd.