Choices, Choices, Choices

This year has been the "birthday of choices" for Emily and Matt. 

When the kids were younger, we would do birthday parties for each of them but in recent years we've been alternating who gets the birthday party based on the age they are turning. Emily being older has changed her style of birthday party to "girls only" get togethers or sleepovers; Matt is more into event parties: Monster Golf or a trip to Monster Jam with a friend. 

As kids get older, we can all attest to the fact that their birthday present requests get more expensive.  So, choices need to start being made.

One Christmas, we purchased a Kindle for the family. In the beginning, I was using it the most for reading. Then, the kids discovered the apps for the Kindle were different from their DS's which had been keeping them content. Slowly, my Kindle reading dwindled as the kids debated over whose turn it was to use it. 

This situation created the "birth" of the "birthday of choices". The kids are currently attending a private school where their classes consist of 10 children. Taking into account their classmates and a few church and neighborhood friends, we gave the kids the option of having a birthday party, which would be their present from us, or a Kindle. We felt this would be a fair choice as both would equal the same amount of money being spent. After several explanations of it is one or the other not both and yes, they could take cupcakes in to school to celebrate their birthday's with their classmates, both kids chose to receive the Kindle. 

Emily's birthday has passed and she was ecstatic to received her Kindle.  Now, Matt is just waiting for the end of the month to receive his. Then, finally, I will be able to go back to using the "family" Kindle for reading.  

As the kids are getting older, we are trying to teach them that life is full of choices and that they need to really think about the choices that they make whether they be regarding the small day to day things or the big issues of life. This birthday choice may seem like a simple lesson but it is a start. It teaches them the value of the gift they are choosing and shows them that  it cost them one thing to get another.  

Our goal is to raise kids who weigh the choices they need to make and choose wisely being good stewards not only of their money but other's too! 

Oh and in the end, I am positive they will be happy with this year's  "birthday of choices". I know Emily is.....Matt has a little more time before his happiness arrives.