Help with teenage daughter who wants to live like a queen on when the family

Kate - posted on 08/05/2009

she wants expensive? she pays for expensive lol i i learned real fast to live with walmart and saved for my ipod.

Ciara - posted on 08/05/2009

My son is the same way when it comes to certain things, usually toys or video games, he could care less about name brand clothes or shoes thankfully. Basically tell her its time to get a job if she wants all that nice stuff and its too bad if she wants it cause she aint getting it!

Marquita - posted on 08/04/2009

I don't have a teenager yet. My daughter is only two, but I grew up in a single-parent household and we barely kept the lights on (sometimes we didn't have them). We never had name brand clothes or any of the new things that were out, but you know what, we got through...life went on. I babysat alot and saved money. If I wanted something I saved for it. I made a plan and I worked toward that goal. If your daughter wants new clothes, make her take a sewing class and she can make them herself. The best thing I've ever learned, was how to sew. She just may not know, she could be good at that and it's so cheap. I remember making things for people and they'll even buy things sometimes or start copying the style. I make a lot of my daughters clothes now, she looks so cute and it makes me feel good when people say "where did you get that dress?" and I get to say "Oh, I made it!". There are so many other things to worry about then clothes and accessories, but I guess, that's also part of being a teenager...trying to keep up with the Jones'. Maybe if you try talking to here about it and making a game plan, she'll start to understand what's up. I hope I've helped you in some way ... :)

LesleyAnn - posted on 08/04/2009

I have a fourteen year old daughter who is the same way and i had a talk with her letting her know of y financial difficulties and also letting her know that there are kids out there who don't have the option to pick and choose what they wear and if given the amount of clothing they have would be so appreciative so stop complaining about the simple things, go to school get a good education and then you can get the job to maintain your lifestyle but for now enjoy your teen years and be yourself hope this helps maybe you can have a talk similar to this.

Miriam - posted on 07/19/2009

I agree with all of these ladies -- it's time for your daughter to get a job. Just like Stefanie, I too taught my kids (16 & 11) from a young age that brand names and trinkets do not take priority in our lives. If I can afford something, I will buy it for them. If I can't, then there are no discussions about it. This has also taught them that it is who they are that matters and not what they wear. The results have been quite interesting. My kids each have their own individual style going and it fits who they are. My daughter had her first paying job last summer and it was a great experience for her. It taught her many things: that a portion of her paycheck goes to paying taxes, how to save money, and the value of money. My son, 11, does odd jobs here and there by fixing other kids bikes and skateboards, shovelling snow, raking leaves, etc. He has acquired amazing saving skills. This experience reinforced what I have taught them all along - how to prioritize you spending. It will do your daughter good to get a reality check, and it will make her appreciate your sacrifices. Good luck!

TERESA - posted on 07/19/2009

I HAVE A DAUGTHER THE SAME WAY , BUT I SAY WHEN THE DAY COMES 4 THEM TO HAVE KIDS THEY WILL KNOW WHAT WE BEEN SAYING

Stefanie - posted on 07/19/2009

I am a single mother of 4 and my children are all like this as well. I have taught them from a very small age to only look at the clearance racks for clothing ar anything at that matter. We go to Goodwill and Salvation Army on discount days and we find name brand clothes for a little of nothing. They may not be the thing they wanted ,to a tee but they understand that I can't afford all that name brand stuff so they have to settle. Sometimes it is good for kids to come down off their pedestal and humble themselves for the mer fact that they have clothes on their back and a roof over their head. My kids know that their friends may have all this expensive, name brand stuff but it doesn't make them any better of a person. When they understand this this can help the stress on us as single parents. You may also suggest chores around the house to make some money, which may help take some burden off of you. If my kids want something really bad then cut the grass for $5 and usually by the time they save the money to buy the item it is on sale, it may take a few months but it teaches them the true value of a dollar. My oldest 14 babysits around the neighborhood and pays for all her teen activities she wants to do. Hope this helps.

Rebecca - posted on 07/19/2009

exacally what i would say too tell her then its time she gets a job and my 14 yr old was teh same way and i told her the same thing and now she isnt picky and well she either deals with it or does with out till she gets tired of wearing the same things over and over have a good one and good luck!

Vicki - posted on 07/19/2009

It's time for her to get a job!