"Daddy, it's only £119.99."

I’m struggling to teach my daughters the value of money.

When I was a kid - for my main Christmas present - I pined with all my heart for a Millennium Falcon and a BMX (The Blue one with the yellow trim around the wheels). With longing in my eyes, I’d scour the toy sections of the three catalogues we’d religiously receive every year. Day after day, during December (for several years) - I’d hope and hope my dreams would come true...

In the end, over the course of two years, I received an X-Wing fighter and a black Raleigh Strika. I didn’t mind and I was grateful…but I never, ever forgot that I didn’t get the others.

Two weeks ago, I pulled up those same catalogues online, and once more, wistfully searched and reminisced. Happy memories.  As I read down to the descriptions and prices of each, I was shocked to see that my X-wing cost £5 in 1983. Curious (and ever so slightly astonished), I then back-tracked and worked out the rate of inflation and discovered that here in the UK it’s tripled in 30 years.  My battle-damaged X-wing would now cost £15. The Millennium Falcon would be £39 in today’s money.

Wha…?

My eldest daughter tested a bike today in Halfords. ‘Daddy, it’s only £119.99.’ she announced.

I covertly purchased it. I’ll collect tomorrow. This is her main present, but there are other trinkets coming her way which, in themselves, far surpass the inflation-adjusted price of my *absent* Millennium Falcon. And, this whole process really got me thinking.

Am I soft-touch? Were my parents tight-fisted? Have I succumbed to consumerism big-time? Were my parents, in actual fact, realists? Are we all becoming the willing victims of mass Normative Social Influence, listening to our kids compare and contrast their ‘certain’ wish-lists (based upon their discussions with friends), and then bowing to their desires? 

My daughters have a picture of a Ugandan girl, Grace, on the fridge - a child they write to through World Vision. I constantly refer to her in front of them. I’d love for them to meet her. I’m also going to get them both a blessings jar, where they place inside a note of thanks at the end of each day; helping them putting just how much they have into perspective (I hope).

But, the question beggars: Despite getting a tablet, a bike and a Teksta puppy, will my eldest remember, in years to come, that she didn’t get the LEGO Heartlake Shopping Mall she’s requested (retailing at £69.99)?

I suspect that the onus lies on me - solely on me - to keep facilitating an attitude of gratitude in my kids and a true understanding of the ‘value’ of money. This is one of most essential things I must do - especially at this time of year. It’s something, as parents, we simply must do - and we can't 'afford' to neglect this. I’d like to help my kids get to the core of the real message of Christmas this year.

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