Friday, November 5, 2010

Kids Making Money

So, why did this particular ad hit a nerve with the online audience, and what was Target really going for?



I think that the internet DIY set reacted to making fun of a costume that fits their ethos perfectly. Last halloween, for example, one DIY dad became a YouTube hit when he posted an awesome homemade Iron Man costume he made for his kid. Is Target's message really that the kid would have been better off wearing a storebought version? If so, citizens of the internet (and makers in particular) are right to be a little ticked off.



As for the non-DIYers, I think that what made them upset was the way Target tried to manipulate kids by playing the dual role of the bully who makes fun of your costume and the cool parent who just wants to help you fit in, unlike your weird, lame, Iron-Man-suit-building mom.



That doesn't work, though, because the parents who will be paying for the costumes are the ones who teach their kids that bullying and peer pressure are wrong, and that creativity is good. The bigger, more popular kid who mocks your costume is the bad guy in every cartoon and after-school special. Why would any kid root for him? And why would parents root against their own nostalgia for (sometimes embarrassing) homemade Halloween outfits? (And if this ad was made to be seen by kids, it sure was shot poorly.)



That leads me to a distasteful theory about who Target was, well, targeting with this commercial. It's not aimed at internet geeks with the time, money and technical skills to make amazing Iron Man costumes for their kids. They aren't going to go to Target for a costume anyway. It's aimed at parents who don't have that time, money or expertise, and who don't want their kids to be singled out as weird or poor. Did Target pick a black family for the ad because they think African-American parents fit that profile? That would be the grossest type of marketing, but I think it's possible.



It doesn't matter if you can't make (or afford to make) your kid a costume, though: the ad still fails because the homemade costume it shows is cool. That mom did a great job with it, and clearly put in some time and effort, so there's nothing for her kid to be embarrassed about. If Target wanted to invoke shame and peer-pressure to make parents feel self-conscious about their income or costume-making skills, they should have at least shown a costume that was actually bad.




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Main

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What Does It Feel Like? And Negotiating on the Bush Tax Cuts: Today’s Q’s for O – 11/3/2010


November 03, 2010 2:28 PM








ABC News' Jake Tapper reports:


PRESIDENT OBAMA: Jake Tapper?


TAPPER: Thank you, Mr. President. I have a policy question, and a personal one. The policy question is, you talk about how the immediate goal is the Bush tax cuts and making sure that they don't expire for those who earn under $200,000 -- $250,000.  


OBAMA:  Right.


TAPPER:  Republicans disagree with that strongly.  They want all of the Bush tax cuts extended. Are you willing to compromise on that?  Are you willing to negotiate at all -- for instance, allow them to expire for everyone over $1 million?  Where are you willing to budge on that? And the second one is, President Bush, when he went through a similar thing, came out and he said this was a thumpin'. You talked about how it was humbling -- or you alluded to it...


OBAMA:  Yes.


TAPPER:  ... perhaps being humbling. And I'm wondering, when you -- when you call your friends, like Congressman Perriello or Governor Strickland, and you see 19 state legislatures go to the other side, governorships in swing states, the Democratic Party setback, what does it feel like?




OBAMA:  It feels bad.


(LAUGHTER)


OBAMA: You know, the toughest thing over the last couple of days is seeing really terrific public servants not have the opportunity to serve anymore, at least in the short term. And you mentioned -- they're just some terrific members of Congress who took really tough votes because they thought it was the right thing, even though they knew this could cause them political problems.  And even though a lot of them came from really tough swing districts or majority-Republican districts. And -- and the amount of courage that they showed and conviction that they showed is something that I -- I -- I admire so much, I can't overstate it. And so there is a -- not only sadness about seeing them go but there's also a lot of questioning on my part in terms of, "Could I have done something differently or done something more so that those folks would still be here?"


It's hard.  And -- and I take responsibility for it in a lot of ways.


I will tell you, they've been incredibly gracious when I have conversations with them.  And what they've told me is, "You know, we don't have regrets because I feel like we were doing the right thing."


And, you know, they may be just saying that to make me feel better, which, again, is a sign of their character and their class.


And I hope a lot of them continue to pursue public service, because I think they're terrific public servants.


With respect to the tax cut issue, my goal is to make sure that we don't have a huge spike in taxes for middle-class families.  Not only would that be a terrible burden on families who are already going through tough times, it would be bad for our economy.


It is very important that we're not taking a whole bunch of money out of the system from people who are most likely to spend that money on, you know, goods, services, groceries -- you know, buying a new winter coat for the kids.


That's also why I think unemployment insurance is important.  Not only is it the right thing to do for folks who are still looking for work and struggling in this really tough economy, but it's the right thing to do for the economy as a whole.


So my goal is to sit down with Speaker-elect Boehner and Mitch McConnell, Harry and Nancy some time in the next few weeks and see where we can move forward in a way that, first of all, does no harm, that extends those tax cuts that are very important for middle-class families; also extends those provisions that are important to encourage businesses to invest and provide businesses some certainty over the next year or two.


And how that negotiation works itself out, I think it's too early to say.  But, you know, this is going to be one of my top priorities. And my hope is, is that given we all have an interest in growing the economy and encouraging job growth, that we're not going to play brinkmanship but instead we're going to act responsibly.


TAPPER:  So you're willing to negotiate?


OBAMA:  Absolutely. 


--Jake Tapper






November 3, 2010
in 2010 Midterms, congress, Current Affairs, Jake Tapper, John Boehner, President Obama, Today's Qs for Obama's WH, Weblogs, White House, White House Press Briefing
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eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger
So, why did this particular ad hit a nerve with the online audience, and what was Target really going for?



I think that the internet DIY set reacted to making fun of a costume that fits their ethos perfectly. Last halloween, for example, one DIY dad became a YouTube hit when he posted an awesome homemade Iron Man costume he made for his kid. Is Target's message really that the kid would have been better off wearing a storebought version? If so, citizens of the internet (and makers in particular) are right to be a little ticked off.



As for the non-DIYers, I think that what made them upset was the way Target tried to manipulate kids by playing the dual role of the bully who makes fun of your costume and the cool parent who just wants to help you fit in, unlike your weird, lame, Iron-Man-suit-building mom.



That doesn't work, though, because the parents who will be paying for the costumes are the ones who teach their kids that bullying and peer pressure are wrong, and that creativity is good. The bigger, more popular kid who mocks your costume is the bad guy in every cartoon and after-school special. Why would any kid root for him? And why would parents root against their own nostalgia for (sometimes embarrassing) homemade Halloween outfits? (And if this ad was made to be seen by kids, it sure was shot poorly.)



That leads me to a distasteful theory about who Target was, well, targeting with this commercial. It's not aimed at internet geeks with the time, money and technical skills to make amazing Iron Man costumes for their kids. They aren't going to go to Target for a costume anyway. It's aimed at parents who don't have that time, money or expertise, and who don't want their kids to be singled out as weird or poor. Did Target pick a black family for the ad because they think African-American parents fit that profile? That would be the grossest type of marketing, but I think it's possible.



It doesn't matter if you can't make (or afford to make) your kid a costume, though: the ad still fails because the homemade costume it shows is cool. That mom did a great job with it, and clearly put in some time and effort, so there's nothing for her kid to be embarrassed about. If Target wanted to invoke shame and peer-pressure to make parents feel self-conscious about their income or costume-making skills, they should have at least shown a costume that was actually bad.




« Previous |

Main

| Next »



What Does It Feel Like? And Negotiating on the Bush Tax Cuts: Today’s Q’s for O – 11/3/2010


November 03, 2010 2:28 PM








ABC News' Jake Tapper reports:


PRESIDENT OBAMA: Jake Tapper?


TAPPER: Thank you, Mr. President. I have a policy question, and a personal one. The policy question is, you talk about how the immediate goal is the Bush tax cuts and making sure that they don't expire for those who earn under $200,000 -- $250,000.  


OBAMA:  Right.


TAPPER:  Republicans disagree with that strongly.  They want all of the Bush tax cuts extended. Are you willing to compromise on that?  Are you willing to negotiate at all -- for instance, allow them to expire for everyone over $1 million?  Where are you willing to budge on that? And the second one is, President Bush, when he went through a similar thing, came out and he said this was a thumpin'. You talked about how it was humbling -- or you alluded to it...


OBAMA:  Yes.


TAPPER:  ... perhaps being humbling. And I'm wondering, when you -- when you call your friends, like Congressman Perriello or Governor Strickland, and you see 19 state legislatures go to the other side, governorships in swing states, the Democratic Party setback, what does it feel like?




OBAMA:  It feels bad.


(LAUGHTER)


OBAMA: You know, the toughest thing over the last couple of days is seeing really terrific public servants not have the opportunity to serve anymore, at least in the short term. And you mentioned -- they're just some terrific members of Congress who took really tough votes because they thought it was the right thing, even though they knew this could cause them political problems.  And even though a lot of them came from really tough swing districts or majority-Republican districts. And -- and the amount of courage that they showed and conviction that they showed is something that I -- I -- I admire so much, I can't overstate it. And so there is a -- not only sadness about seeing them go but there's also a lot of questioning on my part in terms of, "Could I have done something differently or done something more so that those folks would still be here?"


It's hard.  And -- and I take responsibility for it in a lot of ways.


I will tell you, they've been incredibly gracious when I have conversations with them.  And what they've told me is, "You know, we don't have regrets because I feel like we were doing the right thing."


And, you know, they may be just saying that to make me feel better, which, again, is a sign of their character and their class.


And I hope a lot of them continue to pursue public service, because I think they're terrific public servants.


With respect to the tax cut issue, my goal is to make sure that we don't have a huge spike in taxes for middle-class families.  Not only would that be a terrible burden on families who are already going through tough times, it would be bad for our economy.


It is very important that we're not taking a whole bunch of money out of the system from people who are most likely to spend that money on, you know, goods, services, groceries -- you know, buying a new winter coat for the kids.


That's also why I think unemployment insurance is important.  Not only is it the right thing to do for folks who are still looking for work and struggling in this really tough economy, but it's the right thing to do for the economy as a whole.


So my goal is to sit down with Speaker-elect Boehner and Mitch McConnell, Harry and Nancy some time in the next few weeks and see where we can move forward in a way that, first of all, does no harm, that extends those tax cuts that are very important for middle-class families; also extends those provisions that are important to encourage businesses to invest and provide businesses some certainty over the next year or two.


And how that negotiation works itself out, I think it's too early to say.  But, you know, this is going to be one of my top priorities. And my hope is, is that given we all have an interest in growing the economy and encouraging job growth, that we're not going to play brinkmanship but instead we're going to act responsibly.


TAPPER:  So you're willing to negotiate?


OBAMA:  Absolutely. 


--Jake Tapper






November 3, 2010
in 2010 Midterms, congress, Current Affairs, Jake Tapper, John Boehner, President Obama, Today's Qs for Obama's WH, Weblogs, White House, White House Press Briefing
| Permalink
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| User Comments (31)





eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

eric seiger

50 Money Making Ideas for Kids by choosyhomeschooler


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger
So, why did this particular ad hit a nerve with the online audience, and what was Target really going for?



I think that the internet DIY set reacted to making fun of a costume that fits their ethos perfectly. Last halloween, for example, one DIY dad became a YouTube hit when he posted an awesome homemade Iron Man costume he made for his kid. Is Target's message really that the kid would have been better off wearing a storebought version? If so, citizens of the internet (and makers in particular) are right to be a little ticked off.



As for the non-DIYers, I think that what made them upset was the way Target tried to manipulate kids by playing the dual role of the bully who makes fun of your costume and the cool parent who just wants to help you fit in, unlike your weird, lame, Iron-Man-suit-building mom.



That doesn't work, though, because the parents who will be paying for the costumes are the ones who teach their kids that bullying and peer pressure are wrong, and that creativity is good. The bigger, more popular kid who mocks your costume is the bad guy in every cartoon and after-school special. Why would any kid root for him? And why would parents root against their own nostalgia for (sometimes embarrassing) homemade Halloween outfits? (And if this ad was made to be seen by kids, it sure was shot poorly.)



That leads me to a distasteful theory about who Target was, well, targeting with this commercial. It's not aimed at internet geeks with the time, money and technical skills to make amazing Iron Man costumes for their kids. They aren't going to go to Target for a costume anyway. It's aimed at parents who don't have that time, money or expertise, and who don't want their kids to be singled out as weird or poor. Did Target pick a black family for the ad because they think African-American parents fit that profile? That would be the grossest type of marketing, but I think it's possible.



It doesn't matter if you can't make (or afford to make) your kid a costume, though: the ad still fails because the homemade costume it shows is cool. That mom did a great job with it, and clearly put in some time and effort, so there's nothing for her kid to be embarrassed about. If Target wanted to invoke shame and peer-pressure to make parents feel self-conscious about their income or costume-making skills, they should have at least shown a costume that was actually bad.




« Previous |

Main

| Next »



What Does It Feel Like? And Negotiating on the Bush Tax Cuts: Today’s Q’s for O – 11/3/2010


November 03, 2010 2:28 PM








ABC News' Jake Tapper reports:


PRESIDENT OBAMA: Jake Tapper?


TAPPER: Thank you, Mr. President. I have a policy question, and a personal one. The policy question is, you talk about how the immediate goal is the Bush tax cuts and making sure that they don't expire for those who earn under $200,000 -- $250,000.  


OBAMA:  Right.


TAPPER:  Republicans disagree with that strongly.  They want all of the Bush tax cuts extended. Are you willing to compromise on that?  Are you willing to negotiate at all -- for instance, allow them to expire for everyone over $1 million?  Where are you willing to budge on that? And the second one is, President Bush, when he went through a similar thing, came out and he said this was a thumpin'. You talked about how it was humbling -- or you alluded to it...


OBAMA:  Yes.


TAPPER:  ... perhaps being humbling. And I'm wondering, when you -- when you call your friends, like Congressman Perriello or Governor Strickland, and you see 19 state legislatures go to the other side, governorships in swing states, the Democratic Party setback, what does it feel like?




OBAMA:  It feels bad.


(LAUGHTER)


OBAMA: You know, the toughest thing over the last couple of days is seeing really terrific public servants not have the opportunity to serve anymore, at least in the short term. And you mentioned -- they're just some terrific members of Congress who took really tough votes because they thought it was the right thing, even though they knew this could cause them political problems.  And even though a lot of them came from really tough swing districts or majority-Republican districts. And -- and the amount of courage that they showed and conviction that they showed is something that I -- I -- I admire so much, I can't overstate it. And so there is a -- not only sadness about seeing them go but there's also a lot of questioning on my part in terms of, "Could I have done something differently or done something more so that those folks would still be here?"


It's hard.  And -- and I take responsibility for it in a lot of ways.


I will tell you, they've been incredibly gracious when I have conversations with them.  And what they've told me is, "You know, we don't have regrets because I feel like we were doing the right thing."


And, you know, they may be just saying that to make me feel better, which, again, is a sign of their character and their class.


And I hope a lot of them continue to pursue public service, because I think they're terrific public servants.


With respect to the tax cut issue, my goal is to make sure that we don't have a huge spike in taxes for middle-class families.  Not only would that be a terrible burden on families who are already going through tough times, it would be bad for our economy.


It is very important that we're not taking a whole bunch of money out of the system from people who are most likely to spend that money on, you know, goods, services, groceries -- you know, buying a new winter coat for the kids.


That's also why I think unemployment insurance is important.  Not only is it the right thing to do for folks who are still looking for work and struggling in this really tough economy, but it's the right thing to do for the economy as a whole.


So my goal is to sit down with Speaker-elect Boehner and Mitch McConnell, Harry and Nancy some time in the next few weeks and see where we can move forward in a way that, first of all, does no harm, that extends those tax cuts that are very important for middle-class families; also extends those provisions that are important to encourage businesses to invest and provide businesses some certainty over the next year or two.


And how that negotiation works itself out, I think it's too early to say.  But, you know, this is going to be one of my top priorities. And my hope is, is that given we all have an interest in growing the economy and encouraging job growth, that we're not going to play brinkmanship but instead we're going to act responsibly.


TAPPER:  So you're willing to negotiate?


OBAMA:  Absolutely. 


--Jake Tapper






November 3, 2010
in 2010 Midterms, congress, Current Affairs, Jake Tapper, John Boehner, President Obama, Today's Qs for Obama's WH, Weblogs, White House, White House Press Briefing
| Permalink
| Share
| User Comments (31)





eric seiger

50 Money Making Ideas for Kids by choosyhomeschooler


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

50 Money Making Ideas for Kids by choosyhomeschooler


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger eric seiger
eric seiger

50 Money Making Ideas for Kids by choosyhomeschooler


eric seiger
eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


big seminar 14

Children's first teachers are parents. The majority of parents feel it is necessary for children to know the alphabet by the time they enroll in school. Why? To better prepare kids for the challenges they will face in school. In short, to make children's lives easier. An equally important, yet often ignored lesson, is the value of money. Parents frequently complain, "My child thinks money grows on trees!" If parents allow that thought process, children will assume a constant source of money is available.

Parents need to take a pro-active roll in teaching children money management lessons. Learning positive spending and saving habits as a youngster will better prepare your child for financial challenges later in life. Educating children about money is the single most important thing parents can do which will make adult life less stressful. Financial struggles continue to top the list of stresses for adults. Like the basics of ABC's, teaching money management skills will prepare children for financial responsibility in adulthood.

Where to start poses the biggest problem for parents. Many adults do not feel themselves capable of teaching money management, simply because they lack confidence about their own financial situation. Rather than stare at the roadblock, parents should evaluate this question: What is money? Contemplating the question will allow parents to travel the path for their children. The answer? Money empowers people. Money allows people to make decisions. Money helps people feel safe and secure. Understanding how to use money will empower a child to grow into a fiscally responsible adult. The idea of empowering their children will help parents follow through on a very difficult lesson.

Start early. Talk to your toddler about money. Children are introduced to money early in life. A study at Texas A&M University shows children begin asking for specific things at 2 years old. Depending on the child, counting starts between 2 and 4 years. By the time a child reaches 4, he knows he must have money to pay for what he wants in a store. As children reach kindergarten, they learn to distinguish between coins and bills.

Talking to children about money encourages children to think about money as well as consider the things they want. A great learning tool for younger children is using regular shopping trips to encourage choices. For example, when making a trip to the grocery store, visit the cereal aisle first and allow the child to pick one box of cereal. Let her carry it, and look at the box if she wishes. As you continue shopping, if she requests another item, explain to her that she has to choose between the two. Empower her to make the decision. Allow her that choice. Stick to the plan, and take her to put the cereal back. Empowering kids to make choices involving money will make her realize the value of money over time. Making choices will also allow her to examine her wants and needs. If a child goes without her favorite cereal for a week, television advertising targeted at young children will remind her of the cereal she left at the store.

Use Allowance Wisely. Allowance is a great tool for parents and children. From the age of 5 or 6, children who receive a regular allowance learn the value of money if rules are followed. The purpose of an allowance is to teach children money management. Many parents mistakenly tie chores to the allowance, with the idea that children need to know, when they don't work, the result is they won't get paid. This lesson will be learned later, when the child gets a job outside the home. This common error doesn't properly evaluate the purpose of chores. Why do children have chores? Is it to get paid? Or is it to contribute to a smoothly running household? When children fail to perform expected chores, consider a punishment that reflects give and take in the household, such as no TV or telephone, rather than losing the opportunity to learn money management skills.

Give allowance in smaller bills. Encourage saving by giving allowance in $1 bills. Suggest setting aside $1 of allowance in a piggy bank for a special purchase. Children should be encouraged to make spending and saving choices. If a child wants a video game that costs $50, help him break down the math on a simple savings plan. The math is probably something he could figure out on his own, but he will need guidance to formulate his goal into a tangible reality. In making allowance work, do not undermine his efforts on a goal. This means do not go buy the game for him, or if he fails to achieve his savings goals, do not buy it for him anyway. Children need to learn the consequences of money. If he follows through, great! But resist the temptation to reward him with extra money for other items since he is saving. By sticking to the plan, parents will reinforce what he is learning. From this experience, he learns sacrifices are necessary when choosing purchases. If he failed to follow through, maybe he decided he didn't want the game that much after all. What did he learn from this experience? His wants will change over time, and he doesn't need everything he wants.

Discuss Family Money. Several financial experts recommend including older children in family financial discussions to introduce the realities involved in cost of living expenses. Many parents are uncomfortable with this suggestion. An alternative activity that divulges less information and still addresses cost of living issues is to include the kids in creating a family budget for an upcoming family vacation. Discuss the total amount of money allotted for the trip. Initially, children will probably be impressed with the large number. Present hotel choices as well as campground cabins. Include varying price ranges so the kids have a visual of money leaving the budget for where they will be sleeping. Consider menu prices at different restaurants in the destination area. The children will see another chunk of money being removed for food. Next, discuss travel arrangements. Will the family fly or drive? Price both options, and discuss the pros and cons of both scenarios. As a decision is reached, kids are watching another large chunk of money disappearing from the vacation pile. After the cost of living essentials are handled, let the kids be involved in the fun choices. Do not shield them from what they don't get to do. If a desired attraction can't be fit into the budget, invite the kids to revise the budget in order to free up the needed funds. The lesson involves making choices, and appreciating what they do have instead of yearning for what they don't have.

A life long skill, money management begins with comprehending the differences in wants, needs and wishes. Children will need to understand and use money for the rest of their lives. By encouraging choices, continuing allowances, and discussing budgets, parents will empower their children. Introducing smart money concepts in childhood prepares kids for the adult world of financial responsibility.


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

Movie <b>News</b> Quick Hits: Snyder&#39;s &#39;Superman&#39; Ditches Zod and Depp&#39;s <b>...</b>

To your right is the first look at Gary Oldman as George Smiley in Tomas Alfredson's ('Let The Right One In') adaptation of John.

Kinect selling out fast Xbox 360 <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect selling out fast.

ABC Has Most Broadcast <b>News</b> Viewers Election Night (While Fox <b>News</b> <b>...</b>

The broadcast ratings are in, and ABC News had the most watched coverage overall among networks. NBC finished 2nd in total viewers, followed by CBS. But in the younger demographic, NBC finished 1st. Oh, and Fox News averaged more ...


eric seiger

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