Rainy Day Money

Children of today have large sums of money at their disposal. This is compared to previous generations, when having a nickel or a quarter gave one a sense of wealth.

Many of our youth watch commercials, read newspaper ads and spend an appalling amount of time in stores and malls. They are bathed in materialism.

Young ones used to be taught to "save for a rainy day," or to spend months earning the money to buy their own special things.

Each time they were paid, or given a small financial gift (such as for birthdays or holidays), the money went into a piggy bank, or into a passbook savings account. Children delighted in seeing their money grow. They eagerly worked hard to save and add to their modest wealth. This brought them great pride and a sense of well-being.

Daily life was centered around home, school and church. Trips to the store were rare. No one ever went to browse or "hang out." That would have been a ridiculous waste of time.

Mother bought essential groceries, like milk, eggs and bread. She also bought sugar and cocoa and made her own cakes and cookies.  Children were delighted with the wonderful productivity that came out of the kitchen (as opposed to The Food Court)! 

Saving money was a duty and a privilege. Younger children rarely had any coins or cash. It was something they earned when they were a little older. This was something they looked forward to, just like doing their part to help support and help the family.

I am frightened that this generation of youngsters has holes in their pockets, but an overflowing closet of goods.  How many things does a child or teenager need anyway?

Perhaps if we encouraged them to earn and save and have Tootsie Roll Banks full of coins, they would learn the age old wisdom and  importance of saving for a rainy day. . . Sadly, they will never learn this unless we mothers are the example.


Blessings
Mrs. White

This is so important! - Building a Strong Work Ethic in our Children.

For the Bad Days - Make the Mess Look Pretty.

Remembering! - Creating a 1950's - Like Childhood.


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