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I Have to Use My Own Money?

There is nothing like being in New York for the holidays.  The Christmas tree is being lit, the stores are flooded with people from all fifty states, and the bustling streets smell like roasted peanuts!  I love it!  Well, my boys wanted to go downtown as usual to catch some Black Friday sales.  I really did not mind because I like the never-ending action of the city.  My oldest wanted to go to the NBA store.  It is a fantastic store full of NBA jerseys, posters, and basketballs.  He walked in the store and it was if he forgot why he was there. 

"Son, do you know what you want?", I asked. 

"Umm...no!  Well, I think I want to look for some Wizards jerseys or shorts!" 

They did not have them.  So he didn't know what to do.  So we're walking...and walking...and walking.  I could tell that he was a little unsure also because he had to use his money.  I know when I have a little pocket change, everything is given extra consideration. 

Well, on to Toys R Us.  This place was straight mayhem!  Children everywhere begging for gifts. Parents everywhere...begging for gifts!  Daddies toting incredibly large stuffed animals while mothers are asking them to also hold the oversized toy robots in the other hand!  That place is crazy during the Christmas holidays. 
Well, If you are familiar with the NY Toys R Us, you know there is a ferris wheel IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORE!!!!  He wanted to ride. 

"Dad, can I ride?", he asked.

"Sure baby!  You have your money?"

"I have to pay for it?", as his mouth is wide open.

"Yep!", I responded with a slight laugh.

We  never got on the ride.

Money is good to have.  We sometimes have it, and sometimes we don't.  I want to teach my boys the value of money.  I want to teach them that everything they see they don't need or don't have to have. How do you teach this?  I would love to hear your strategies.  I am NOS...especially during the holidays during a recession.

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