To Buy or Not To Buy Toys When on Tight Budget

Our little bundle of joy is a toddler now. As a mother I love to discover my daughter's new development. It might be as little as the star yet it twinkles and gives joy to us parents.

Last Sunday we went to the toy store right after church. This is to give our little Gabster another ambiance, since she likes going and exploring new places. And I love to see how she lightens up her face upon seeing the toys around her.

I went around to check some items I want to buy in the future, when I came back Gaby is already bringing a stuff toy, cuddling it like her own. Her father could not even touch it to check the price. It's the only toy left with such design. We tried distracting her with the duck but waved her hand which means no, she doesn't like it. When we went to the colorful balls, she immediately grabbed one, mumbling "Bo, bo, bo'.

This kind of moment is hard and tempting specially when you are on a tight budget and you need to take care of important stuff. But I don't want to be so hard on myself and to my hubby. I enjoyed it knowing Gaby already knows what she likes and what she doesn't.

Here's what we did for us not to buy a toy.

1. Be firm in saying no - Parents are always tempted to buy their kid's wants specifically toys, specially when your kid is wailing and acting out in public. You will be tempted to buy one due to frustration and embarrassment just to make them stop from crying, but I would say be firm.
   
   The early you teach your child the reward of delayed gratification, the better. You will be at ease every time you're with your kid when going to stores because you know you won't be put on show. Thus acting out will not become your child's habit to responding rejections or such a "no-answer".
2. Distract your child's attention. We kept on distracting Gaby with some other colorful toys that she likes until she forgot what she was holding on and put the toy back on the rack.
3. Tell your child straight to her face that you don't have enough money to buy what she likes, even when she doesn't understands it.
   
   Our baby is just 1 year and 2 months old but I will advise parents with kids ages from 2 and above to tell your child directly or even let them see your wallet of what's left there. And explain what its for and what kind of consequences you'll going to face if you spend it. That they may understand you better. Yet assure her to buy one if you have enough and can afford it.   In our case I just want the act of explaining become part of us, as Gaby grows older she will be asking a lot of things soon.