Stop pester power

“But Mommy I waaannnt it!”

Your child’s constant nagging will get you down – and every parent dreads the look of disappointment if a child doesn’t get what she wants! But ultimately, falling into debt or struggling to fund life’s necessities is not worth giving in to your child’s expensive demands.

Limiting pester power

• Explain why your child can’t have everything, and help them understand your decision. Sometimes “No, because I said so” is not sufficient. Acknowledge her disappointment, but explain that even Santa can’t afford all the presents on their list. 
• Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. Agree on limits and tactics so that you don’t work against each other. 
• Stay firm. If you always cave in to your child’s demands then she’ll continue to pester you. 
• Combine and compromise. If she wants an expensive gadget or toy, can you give her a combined Christmas and birthday gift? Maybe Grandpa can pitch in to make it a joint gift? Older children can also contribute to part of the cost, particularly if they want the latest and most expensive model. 
• Negotiate. Perhaps your child can receive the expensive gift she’s pestering you for – but only during holiday sales. 
• Offer a non-material alternative – quality time is the greatest gift a parent can give. Take her out to the zoo, play baseball in the park or make a craft project at home – these are the times your child will remember. 
• Encourage entrepreneurship. Explain that you can’t afford to give her the expensive gift she’s hoping for, but discuss how she can earn money to buy it herself. If she wants something badly enough, she’ll save up her allowance. 
• There’s no need to keep up with the Jones’! Everyone has different budgets and spending priorities. If your neighbor spends $200 on each child, it doesn’t mean that you should too. 
• Encourage older children to develop a skeptical eye with regard to advertising. Play ‘spot the gimmick’ and explain how advertising works.

Birthdays and Christmas can be stressful times for parents, but try not to feel guilty. Children need to understand that mom and dad don’t have money to waste. If your child always gets what she wants she’ll never learn how to budget or save money for herself.

Was this article helpful?