Even though parents often try to shield their children from complex issues like finances and social status, kids start to grasp these concepts as they grow. Research indicates that children as young as five can differentiate between various economic classes, such as poor, middle-class, and wealthy.
By age 11, children become particularly aware of brands, often prioritizing them as the most significant factor in product selection over other features.
A recent incident at the supermarket involving a father and his 11-year-old daughter highlights this awareness. The daughter criticized her father for opting for generic products instead of brand names, and the father shared his experience on Reddit’s Mildly Infuriating forum. Many readers offered advice on how to educate preteens about household budgeting.
The situation resonates with many parents who have had to adjust their spending due to rising costs. With stagnant wages and increasing prices, managing a budget can be particularly challenging.
The father described the encounter: “I’ve been shopping with my daughter for years. Now that she’s 11, she has strong opinions on everything. She questioned why I choose generic brands over name brands. I explained that with only $100 to spend, buying generic allows us to get more food for the same amount,” he wrote.
Despite the explanation, his daughter joked about the situation while checking out. “While at the checkout, the cashier asked how we were doing. My daughter replied, ‘It could be better. We can't have brand-name food because my dad is cheap like a bird.’ She flapped her arms and made ‘cheap’ noises,” the embarrassed father recounted.
Several Redditors offered suggestions to help the father teach his daughter about financial decisions and manners. One user, SnooWords4839, recommended involving the daughter in using a calculator to compare brand-name and generic prices. “Next time, let her use a calculator to track the prices of name brands. Show her that with the same budget, buying generic allows for more variety. Visual aids can be very effective for kids.”
Another commenter suggested a blind taste test to demonstrate that generic and brand-name products often taste the same. “Try a blind taste test with generic and name-brand items. Ask her why anyone would pay more for something that tastes identical. Then, have her taste two identical store-brand samples while blindfolded,” advised Tubagoat.
A different approach involved comparing the value of cereal in bags versus boxes. “I once gave my kids $5 each to buy their favorite cereal when name-brand boxes were about $3. They liked the name brand but soon realized the bagged cereal lasted longer. They never asked for name-brand cereal again,” shared ColorMeSlowly.
Lastly, one commenter emphasized the importance of respect in this situation. “The real issue here is respect, not money. Your child’s behavior is disrespectful. Regardless of whether you're frugal or not, it’s your decision. When she earns her own money, she can choose how to spend it,” wrote Luxxielisbon.
Navigating financial constraints teaches resilience, adaptability, and humility. For parents, these challenges offer an opportunity to impart valuable life lessons to their children, helping them handle difficult situations with resilience and grace.