To Buy Or Not To Buy...That Is The Question

"I'm sorry, do you work and earn money?" This is a question I've been asking my 5-year-old daughter lately. Her cheeky response EVERY TIME is, "Why yes, I do," as she reaches into her imaginary pocket and pulls out imaginary money.

I'm locked in a weekly showdown with myself over how much loot I should be showering upon my kids. They've got a toy and game collection that would make Santa jealous. And thanks to my clearance and resale obsession, their wardrobes are bursting at the seams.

It's not that I didn't get what I wanted as a child, leading me to spoil my kids. I don't remember not getting what I asked for at Christmas and on my birthday. However, there was no expectation of receiving a toy or game every time I went to the store with my parents. That's probably why I often complained about going grocery shopping on the weekends—there was nothing in it for me!

My kids, though, seem to think every trip to Walmart or our favorite resale shop should come with at least one toy. Thankfully, Walmart Delivery and Pickup save me from the "Can I get this?" debate.

And then there's their dad, the traveling gift fairy, who feels compelled to bring back a trinket from every trip. This habit is starting to add up. Two kids equal two gifts, and I've made it crystal clear (okay, maybe I've occasionally threatened) that if he brings home another stuffed toy, I might just lose my mind. I've suggested he opt for practical gifts like a water cup or a t-shirt instead.

On the flip side, it's tough to always be the "No" parent. Is a $4 puzzle worth the death stare my daughter gives me? She's a tough negotiator. Fortunately, pleasing the toddler is a breeze. He's currently obsessed with bubbles. His vocabulary is growing, and "bubble" is a favorite word, often said with a hopeful tone, as if wishing for them will make them magically appear.

My daughter impresses me with her saint-like patience for new things too. Aside from a few school supplies, we're all set for her to start Kindergarten soon. Her new clothes hang neatly in the closet, untouched. Her pristine notebooks and pencil case sit on the countertop, untouched. She's inherited her dad's patience gene—able to wait to use her new school gear and supplies. I am not like this.

Last-minute purchases aren't my thing either. My kids' birthdays are at the end of Summer and Fall, and I already have all their birthday gifts bought and wrapped! And yes, I'm halfway through with Christmas gifts too (also wrapped). There are so many cool gadgets for kids. Anything STEM/STEAM-related, I'm all over it like a fly on a sugar cube.

• Do I seem a bit over the top? Probably.

• Is my husband going to keep buying pointless stuffed toys on every trip? Yes, most likely.

• Are my kids spoiled? Yes, and I'm perfectly fine with that because they're good kids. They stay out of trouble at school and daycare (home is a different story!). I'm teaching them valuable skills when we shop and discuss the price of clothes and toys. I set the expectation that I'm not buying toys to be played with for just 10 minutes and then forgotten. When that happens, the mom

  money bank closes.

But, admittedly, not for long! What's the point of working hard and having a little extra money if you can't spend it on your favorite people!

--Amber