First, let me say that I spend more money on my kids than I do for myself.

And in my mind that use to make it okay that I don’t really get the latest and greatest electronic, or motorized things for them.  But lately, I’ve been thinking that perhaps I don’t spend enough and perhaps I really should spend more money on my kids.

I think we are somewhat rare in that we really only spend a few hundred dollars on each kid at Christmas, and even less for their birthdays.  To me that seems like a lot, but when I compare what my kids have to the neighborhood kids, it seems like they have less.

In particular, my daughter seems like she’s at a huge disadvantage because she’s ready to try advanced electronics.  She’s been asking for a laptop, ipod touch, or a cell phone for the last few months.  I’ve been telling her that she’s too young, but really she’s not.  I know she has the focus and skills to work such devices, but it just seems unfair to my son to give her such devices now at such a young age (she’s still 7-years-old).  Of course the costs are a concern too, I do hate to busy expensive things that lose their value so quickly.

Perhaps if I think hard enough on the matter, I can come up with something that isn’t too expensive, yet still gives her exposure to such technology.  Think, think, think…

On the other hand, I would like to give both of my kids some of the adrenaline rushing fun I had as a child (go-karting, motorcycle dirt bikes etc).

First Gen American:  Babci on Death  Wise advice from Babci!  Great saying “Death doesn’t have favorites.”

Live Real, Now:  53 Percent  And to think, I thought I was tough working at the age of 15…  This is a great story of working at an early age and pulling yourself up by the bootstraps.  Read this, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Everyday Tips and Thoughts:  Craziest Ways People Save Money  This is a funny, and yet sad story about being too frugal!

Bests,

MR