- So you spend all day having fun rather than constantly saying no and feeling like a Disney villian.
- No one gets to purchase everything they want, because no one has that sort of money. Kids might as well learn that now rather than face disappointment later on as adults.
- Children like to know what is going on in their lives. Knowing how much money they have to spend gives them control, which is something they may not get a lot of on vacation.
- How much money will they be bringing?
- Will you give them any money when they run out?
- Will you loan them any more money if they run out, assuming they will have to start paying it back upon return?
- Are they responsible for paying for any family activities during the vacation?
- Can their money be divided up into a per day allowance so the $$ isn’t used up on the first day?
- Can they do any chores before the trip to earn extra spending money?
My teens wanted to see Cirque de Soliel, and when I offered to pay for half their ticket, they weighed their options and decided they would rather spend their money adding the DisneyQuest/water park option to our annual passes. Several years ago, my kids chose to receive fewer Christmas presents so we could stay on vacation a few days longer. We laid out the money facts and let them decide, though it warmed my heart they chose family vacation over “stuff.” I think giving kids a choice or a say in vacation plans can be a great teaching tool.
Life Lessons with a Disney Twist: Teach Kids to Save Their Money
“We have a budget, and we can’t have it all. Let’s decide what is the best value for our money.”
I keep a notebook with my three children’s vacation savings written down. We call this “The Column.” My children pretty much keep money on their “Disney Column” all year ‘round. Each day of vacation, we start out at breakfast calling out column ammounts. They know per day how much money they have left. My husband and I do loan money, up to a certain amount that I know I can get my money back. I know surprise Disney trips look fun and exciting, but they don’t allow for kids doing chores and extra jobs ahead of time to pay for the souvenirs they will want in those gift shops.
We can’t have everything we want. The Donald Trumps of this world have a budget, and they are holding out on purchasing something, even if their scale is far more grand than ours. Not overspending or sticking to a budget in our every day lives is a life skill. You can blow your budget and make a bunch of purchases with your credit card, but dealing with the bill after you get home will just add to your post-Disney depression.
Avoid These 10 Mistakes That Can Wreck a Disney World Vacation
What better place to teach your kids to stick to the budget than on a Disney vacation, home of the Happiest Shopping on Earth!
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Thanks for stopping by Couponing to Disney for a Life Lesson with A Disney Twist. Keep clipping those coupons and dreaming Disney!
Amanda
Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
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