Money for nothing? Not in this house.

One for you, one for them… the lesson this mum needed to teach her daughter.

Last week, my daughter’s school celebrated Harmony Day. All the kids got to wear traditional outfits. She decided to wear an Indian top with her skinny jeans because, as she puts it, “I’m Indian but I was born in Australia.” But that’s another story…

As part of the celebrations, all the school kids were asked to make a gold coin donation to support a World Vision child the school sponsors.

“Mum, can we give two dollars instead of one?” asked Caitlyn.

“Of course!” I replied.

And then an idea struck me.

“Caitlyn,” I said, “Instead of mummy giving you two dollars, how about you contribute one dollar from your own pocket money and I will put in the other dollar?” I suggested.

I could see the inner conflict across her face. On the one hand, she did want to help out a poor child. But on the other hand, that one dollar amounted to half her weekly canteen money. One dollar could buy her five Jelly Joys or a yogurt cup. Whereas, for a six-year-old, two dollars could buy her the world!

“Can I think about it, mum?” she asked.

“Sure,” I replied.

I wanted Caitlyn to make the decision herself without super-imposing my views on her, so I dropped the subject.

Like all parents, I want to give my kids the best that I can. Opportunities that will give them a head-start in life. But there’s a fine line between giving them everything and giving them too much.

I see so many kids today strutting around with this sense of entitlement. The world owes them. They deserve an iPad for their birthday. They have to get a gazillion gifts from Santa for Christmas. Mummy must buy them a Paddle Pop treat after school...

And what have they done to earn all this? Diddly squat.

More than being a wiz at maths or perfect at public speaking, I want my children to grow up with kindness and compassion. To think about those less fortunate than themselves. To be aware of other people’s feelings. To know that their words and actions have consequences. To have empathy for everyone. I want them to grow up with a conscience.

So we’ve tweaked the rules in our household. You make your bed, you pack away your toys, you help unload the dishwasher, you behave yourself even when things don’t go your way – you get rewarded. You don’t get pocket money for just showing up with a grin on your cute face.

At the end of that day, Caitlyn had made her decision.

“I would like to give that poor child my one dollar,” she declared.

“I am very proud of you, Caitlyn,” I said as I hugged her. “When you give, you always get back more in return.”

And do you know what she said to me?

“That’s true, mum. I already have this happy feeling in my heart.”

How do you teach your kids how to be grateful?