To celebrate the release of Smart Mama, Smart Money we’re running a contest. This is a ‘thinking-mom’s’ kind of contest. Read the paragraph below from Chapter 22 “Cents and Sensibility” about giving kids the critical tools they need to become responsible consumers, savers and investors.
“In an ideal universe, our needs and our wants would converge.
Sometimes this does happen: We need to eat every day to survive, and who doesn’t love great food? Often, though, even adoring mothers can get confused between a need and a want. Young kids don’t really need much or want more than unconditional love, food, and shelter. They certainly don’t “need” Juicy Couture tracksuits (ugh!), Armani Junior shoes, or a Prada diaper bag. Maybe you do, but they don’t. (And if you do, why? Keep reading.)
Needs are items that you must have to live in the modern world: food, shelter, transportation, health care, education, a computer, and, yes, the Internet. Wants are all the things that add texture and interest to your basic needs: eating out, white truffles from Italy, vacations, movies, brand-name products, cable.”
(The chapter goes on to give you the tools you need to help your kids distinguish between a ‘need and want’.)
The contest? Beyond ‘food, shelter and unconditional love’ what else do kids really need? We’ll pick a winner at random and send them a copy of Smart Mama, Smart Money!
Smart Mama, Smart Money is on sale now!
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Smart Mama, Smart Money: Raising Happy, Healthy Kids Without Breaking the Bank
“Jack-of-all-trades Hoffman (Bitches on a Budget) compiles the tips and tricks she’s learned in her careers as marketer, mother, and writer to produce an all-in-one guide to frugal parenting. Written to other mothers in tone, but not gender-specific in content, this valuable tome offers suggestions on how to survive the giant-plastic-stuff phase of infancy (buy a used stroller, but a new crib) and paying for college, though the bulk of her advice is focused on the many years between. With two of kids out of college and on their own, she confidently dispenses advice on topics ranging from clothing choices to sex-ed, but manages to do so in a chatty, friendly voice that is never overbearing. Food is a large part of any family’s budget, and Hoffman discusses MyPlate, organics, and “smart shopping” with equal ease. She also provides a brief overview of financial management basics including budgeting, insurance, and credit cards, and her advice about helping kids distinguish “wants” from “needs” is astute and practical. In addition to everyday tips, Hoffman also offers tried-and-true insights into developing strong relationships with one’s children–in the end, “a smart mom never loses sight of what her kids really need: unconditional love, safe boundaries, and room to play.” Informative, entertaining, and applicable, this is a must-read for “smart mamas” and papas. (Mar.)”
5 comments
Sarah P says:
Mar 10, 2012
Kids NEED to be taught a sense of self worth and how to love themselves. I think so many times, children are raised thinking little of themselves. They turn into adults who have poor self esteem and a bad body image. It works against them as they pursue careers and relationships. I grew up thinking I was never good enough, in every facet of my life. I am working hard to give my kids what they need–a great sense of worth (without blowing up their egos) and the ability to embrace their differences.
Dana Schmelzle says:
Mar 10, 2012
I personally think beyond food, shelter and unconditional love, we as parents are reponsible for making sure we teach them about Jesus and Common Sense. Common Sense is something that many kids do not get to be around. They have parents that werent taught common sense, so it wasnt passed down. I have parents that although we never had any money one thing they taught me was common sense. Is it against the law to sponge off our friends…no but common sense tells us to go make our own money, provide for our own families. Its more than right from wrong, its more than following the leader, sometimes one has to step back and say…NO that would be a stupid idea if I tried that. And finally, Jesus, it is our responsibility as parents to teach our kids about God and how he sent his son to die for us. It isnt what they want to hear, its what they need to hear. Just my two cents!
Melissa says:
Mar 10, 2012
must have clothing.
caitlyn says:
Mar 10, 2012
I may not be a mother, yet, but growing up I’ve learned that parents are not only there to supply a place for you to live, clothes to wear and food to eat among other needless things like tv, laptop, cell phone, games, etc. I think what’s most important for kids to have growing up is a parent who is there. A parent who supports the child’s development and life skills. It’s vital that a parent supply the information and support for their child’s life. What I’m trying to say is that, as I was growing up I could go to my parent’s for anything, any sort of question or advice. My mother especially was most wise in personal, business, education and free thinking. I could ask my father for math help or any sort of accounting. Kids don’t just need a parent, they need a parent who is there for them. Parental guidance is the most important thing in order to live a fulfilling, successful, educated life. It’s been shown again and again, that kids who never got the nurture, support and love they needed are the ones with the most problems. They never finish high school, or even attend college. They end up in gangs, on the streets and without help. My sister is a new mother, and I really think this book would help her with raising her child. I can see that she constantly struggles between what is right and wrong of raising my niece. And I feel that she is lost.
Patrice Jones says:
Mar 11, 2012
More gatherings with family and neighbors. It takes a village right???.