Izzy Learns About Money

In our house, 2 years old is definitely too young for allowance. But our crafty Izzy thought otherwise. While I was busy helping the other girls separate allowance into tithing, savings and spending, Izzy was busy helping herself to the Davidson Allowance Bank (a.k.a. a bowl containing change and bills that I use to hold allowance money). Before I realized it, she filled her little purse with about $5 in quarters.

She has been carrying it around every since, just waiting for the right moment to spend it. All of the other girls have had a special trip with Mom to do their Christmas shopping and she was just waiting for her chance. As we were out running errands the other day she seized the opportunity and brought her purse - asking to use it at the Library, Post Office and just about every other place we went. Finally, we ended up at Super Drug and I gave in. When I told her she could spend her money, she started shopping in earnest for Christmas gifts for her sisters. I helped her settle on .50 packages of Christmas candy - one for each sister.

She proudly carried her goods up to the counter, handed them to the cashier and pulled out her wallet. She is too short to actually see the cashier over the counter, so I lifted her up to sit on the counter. As a line of three or four people started to gather behind us, Izzy proceeded to pull her money out one coin at a time. Knowing this would take more time than the patience of people in line, I asked if I could help her count it. 'Do it BY MYSELF' was her response. I knew a 2 year old tantrum was in the makings. Luckily, the cashier was kind and a quick thinker. She said that if Izzy let me help count the money she would give Izzy a special piece of paper with her purchase (a receipt). Izzy was so excited she said Thank You and was pleased as can be.

I think I'm going to have to hide that little purse of hers for a while. She is sweet and cute, but definitely has a will of her own!