It’s summer! Enjoying the freedom of summer, sunshine and impromptu games in the yard, suddenly the familiar sound of the ice cream truck draws everyone’s attention. Run. Get your money. The ice cream truck is coming to the neighborhood.
As I child I envisioned the wonderful life of city living, where an ice cream truck made daily stops in front of my home. How great that would be! Fast forward several years and reality hits: Living in a city, three children and the daily stop of the ice cream truck. Ice cream treats are $3 each, the inevitable fall of an already tight budget. Yet, my children should receive what I so strongly desired, right?
At the risk of ruining our children’s precious young memories, I used the ice cream truck to teach about spending, value, and basic economics. It was a pretty easy endeavor, because the boys already were keenly aware that any money spent on ice cream novelties would come from their own hard-earned money. It was one of many ways we allowed our boys to experience real-life economics.
Here is how it worked and my suggestions for using this nostalgic childhood indulgence to teach valuable life lessons:
Store bought ice cream novelties. After studying the ice cream truck menu, I purchased similar ice cream novelties. (Amazingly, stars and stripes ice cream bars can be found!) It is important to have a wide selection – just like the ice cream truck menu. I then determined the price for each item.
Although I didn’t do this, a menu board mounted listing all their choices and price for each item would add some fun to this learning adventure.
Inform and explain. Before the first sound of the static ice cream truck melody was heard in the neighborhood, we had a discussion about the cost and value. We compared the cost of ice cream truck treats to the cost of purchasing the same (or similar treats) at the grocery store. Generally the price is about one third.
During the conversation, discuss the fun, excitement and enticement of the ice cream truck as well as the cost. Depending on the age of the child, value for money spent is also a great discussion point. It is important to stress that money is spent on fun things as well as the necessary things.
Give choices. Our guys were then given a choice. “Using your own money, you may purchase a special treat from the ice cream truck OR you are welcome to purchase an ice cream treat from our freezer.”
Let them choose. No guilt. Ask questions. Are you okay with your decision? Was it worth spending your own money? How many chores do you need to complete to earn the same amount of money?
In scripture it says, “As you go, impress…teach…talk about….”, Deuteronomy 6:7-9. Life provides many teaching opportunities. Use them to provide teaching moments and experiences. Life also provides choices. Teaching our children how to navigate those choices is critical.
For the love of family,
Kristin
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