Last week my twins broke their Rock Band drums. Since they're twins we'll never know who actually did the final damage but I'm used to that, as they have grown up in a world of "we" and "us". A new replacement set is about $70 and I told them I refuse to pay for it and they would need to buy a new set from their own money. I did, however search some of the Rock Band posts and found this to be common problem. I mean, come on, they are drums and they are meant to be banged right?
But, nevertheless it's their game and their responsibility and therefore, their replacement. I must say, they're pretty resourceful. They searched for replacement drums online and of course came upon Ebay (I know this because one of them said, "Mom, what's a bid?"). After explaining the bid process I told them the first thing to do is determine how much money they have combined. They got pretty discouraged when the total contents of their wallets came to $36, half of what they need.
It then prompted them to come up with ideas on how to earn the money. The first thing I said was, "how about do your chores so you can get an allowance?" They didn't like that idea. Oh well, no chores, no allowance. They then decided they would work at Subway making sandwiches. I told them you need to be 16 to work at a store. To that they replied, "but we're double digits, why can't we work in a store?" Then they said, "We'll sell our old sneakers!" I said, "oh sure, they'll be lining up around the block to buy your dirty smelly sneakers." They replied, "we'll put those fabric softener things in them".
After they told me I was making their lives very difficult, they decided to sell all of their old books, DVD's, video games and CD's. I had to coach them a bit on the pricing, as they suggested charging $20 for a 3 year old used video game, but they are determined to sell a bit every day after they return home from camp.
We'll see how determined they are because I'm not going to push them at all. If they really want those drums, let's see how creative they get...it's a good lesson and I'll keep you posted on their progress!


















Comments
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Good for you! I had to wash cars to earn the money to replace the retainer I lost and I remember that vividly. I think it's great to teach kids the value of money and the effort it takes to earn it. I had to explain this to my son... I call it the great energy exchange... took energy to create the money you have, energy to create the product you want, when the product is worth the energy you used to create the money, then trade!
I have a feeling they will get very creative... everyone loves those drums!!
"Love Well. Love Wisely."
JustInCaseInc.com
Thanks justinCase! When I
Thanks justinCase!
When I grew up I was terrified to break anything. I was so careful with my possessions and those around me. To this day I stress if my car gets a little scratch on it! I feel too many kids just don't care because they know if they break something it will just miraculously get replaced. What lesson are we teaching our kids if we always give in to them?
CreditMom
There is something to having
There is something to having respect for your things because you know the value of the money you spent on it... there is an odd "expectation" we've allowed our children to feel about things... also an odd importance placed on the things... it's all a little out of whack, so I'm glad to hear what you're doing!
"Love Well. Love Wisely."
JustInCaseInc.com