General Chat

My kids are 7 and 4 and really don't have a concept of money and how much things cost.

They originally asked for *Butterscotch* an interactive pony but it costs around £280

I said no father Christmas can't afford that. It's way too much money. So I channeled them into wanting other things.

I've since found out that 3 class mates have been promised *butterscotch* and now I feel a tad guilty and I know I shouldn't.

BUT it wouldn't cripple us to pay it back month by month I just think it's a waste of money because all it does is take up loads of room and pretend to eat carrots!!

The girls have accepted the *no* gracefully. I just feel a bit bad about it really but feel strongly that they shouldn't get such a overpriced toy for Christmas.

What do you think? Am I being tight ? Honest answers appreciated. x

well mine wanted it last yr and they were told no

as id already done the shoppin

they havent mentioned it this yr

but it is over priced for what it does
i no it looks nice but once ya fed it once

were the fun??

Come christmas they will forget what they asked for in the excitement and I think you are right not to give in. It is a lot of money. You could maybe do a simple exercise with them by telling them how many of whatever else they like they could have for the same price. draw pictures, two columns, butterscotch one side and whatever else they play with, clothes they like etc the other.

Ann
Glos

Yep I agree Stray.

Also two days of climbing all over it and I reckon it will just collapse !!

It annoys me that it's being so vastly advertised. It's emotional blackmail xx

its wen they accept it no arguements it makes you feel worse ,
m son does that, where as daughter would argue the point which would make me mad then
im sure they will be happier with waht ever they get, and its so common if more kids got it anyway isnt it, dont beat yourself up over it

i think most kids toys r so overpriced

ya can buy three things now and will have spend 200 pound

dont ya just wish father christmas was real lol

you could by a real pony

for just double the price

That's a good plan Ann. If they mention it again I will do that. Thanks xx

Stick to your guns, and so no.

You're not being tight, just bright

xx

I don't know how you young ones manage in today's materialistic world.
It must be so hard.

Mine had as much as we could afford and often what we really could not afford, but I think £280(?) is far too much, when you have two children.

I have spent big monies, but on things which would last.
a toy is today's love... tomorrow will have another love.

Good luck to all of you young mothers this Christmas.

Deanna X

You are not being tight Muffs!!!


You are being realistic, the amount of money some people spend is mad.Its so easy to feel pressurised and my kids say,

'so and so is getting 1,ooo spent on them'


No way is what I say with the cost of living its impossible,


Cazzles xxx

Have you looked round for another smaller/ less expensive interactive animals, you could then say that horses do not like living indoors.

I am attempting to teach a very lifelike parrot to say "Hello ??????", for my Grandson at Christmas.

The other night I said " Hello what you doing?" & nearly jumped out of my skin when it replied "Talkin to you".

Is butterscotch a pony?? You could get a real one cheaper than that, I'm sure!!

Muffy, it really is expensive for what it appears to do!!

I don't know what to say.. but I would personally be looking for something that would give more lasting pleasure.
Sounds like it might be the cardboard box Butterscotch comes in lol!

I love Ann's idea, and it is similar to the method we used when my two needed to make choices... a sort of pyramid!!


Love

Daff xxx

Don't feel guilty. My son didn't have all the latest things even tho my nephew just a month older always did, but I always made sure he had several things to open and play with even tho some were second hand, tho like new, and he says now he never felt hard done by, in fact he felt sorry for M. and still does as the boy is very shallow. At the mo M. is advertising an iphone and my son says, I bet he isn't really selling it if he has one, he is just trying to show off that he owns one. At 7 your little one will soon be able to understand the value of things and realise that money doesn't grow on trees. You will be teaching them both a valuable lesson that will stand them in good stead when they get older.
Lizx

I have 4 kids and they have asked for things in the passed..........

I feel that if you buy these high priced things now what will you buying when they are 10 ,15 18 21????

SNAP!!! My daughter wanted Butterscotch. I told her straight, if she had that then she couldnt have any other toys. And it'd take up too much space, and she'd get bored of it. She soon changed her mind! Ive got brilliant new stuff from ebay (type in Bratz new/Barbie new etc etc etc.) Gowingstore and Amazon sell new PC and playstation games really cheaply (both online stores). And look out for sales in Argos etc. I got a Betty Spaghetty for my daughter for £7, and quite a few bargains.

If it provides manure for the garden I'd consider it, otherwise no ! Lol!

:0)))
Joan

PS: I usually get them to write a letter to Santa, then before theyve written it, say they cant have everything on the list as Santa only has a limited amount of money, and he has to think of the children without mums and dads. Then they only write about 2 or 3 things on the list, so Im left guessing what else to get, lol. Chances are, not all 3 of her friends are getting the pony, maybe its wishful thinking on their part! 1 says she's getting it, the next kid says Me too!

Thanks everyone. I feel loads better now.

I have managed to steer them away from Butterscotch I'm just gobsmacked that others will be getting it. It's so much money !

I'll be honest for a main xmas pres I only usually spend max £50 - £70 per child the rest are stocking fillers. Books, Pj's, play doh etc on top just to make it have the WOW factor on Christmas day. Quantity not quality at their age lol.

They have Grandparents and aunties and uncles and friends that do the rest of the expensive pres buying they def don't do without.

It just makes me wonder how the parents of the kids that are getting Butterscotch are going to cope. It does feel like emotional blackmail but I don't want spoilt kids. I want kids that understand when no means no.
xx
It's a hard lesson though for them and me xx

My son told his godparents he was having a wii for his birthday last month, they told me, so I sat him down and explained that at thet sort of money we couldn't afford it. He was very good about it and accepted it, I asked him to choose something else. He had a ds instead which I knew he wanted but hadn't asked for as he thought they cost to much, so everyone happy.

I am sure your children will have loads of presents and wont even think about butterscotch on the day.

Jan x