So this week is "character week" in my daughters elementary school. Each day of the week has a set "theme." Today, was decade day. Mikayla was tossed up between the 60s and the 80s but ultimately neon won! Duhhh!

Now, all us parents know that elementary school is a endless money pit of needs and an endless list of homework/projects for US. The parents. Well this momma just got SUPER thrifty and frugal. While still possibly having the best decade-dressed kid in class!

I took a trip to the dollar store... the entire bill was $7.67. I got glow bracelets, a neon purple tutu, some colorful mardi gras type bead necklaces, 2 different comb in hair colors, some neon poof scrunchies, and finally a plain pink t-shirt I cut and decorated 80s style using only scissors and a permanent marker. I put a pair of leopard print leggings and a bright tank top underneath.

We all want to do the best for our kids. Want them to be the "coolest", have all the best stuff, give them the joy of participation, and have them enjoy each activity they can with their friends to the best of your ability(And wallet size).
But it's also important to show our kids the value of money.....
"Mom i need to dress up let's go spend money on costume stuff for a Decade"

Well... therein lies the opportunity to teach a lesson. I showed my daughter with this endeavor, as small as it was, that the best effort you can put into stuff is not money, but effort, creativity, and intelligence.

I gave my daughter an excellent experience, a great costume, and a wonderful day at school while teaching her the value of money and how to use your brain more than your wallet!!

Moral of the story:
#1. My daughter kicked A$$ for less than 10 bucks.
#2. She understood an important lesson about money and it's importance.... as well as its irrelevance to situations where thrifty, frugal, and creative ideas and imagination can make $5 look like $50. And how to look outside the box(or wallet more literally lol).
#3. Parents. Talk to your kids. Teach them life lessons. My daughter is 8 and we discuss real life issues and problem solve with a consistently open line of communication. She is a person. I speak to her as such. Too many parents fear Real conversation with their kids. God forbid they need to address real life uncomfortable topics like drugs and alcohol, sexuality/gender/lgbt topics, national tragedies, etc. It's ok to be uncomfortable. But not ok to be silent. Sure you're comfortable and not out of your boxed in comfort zone, but at what cost to your children? Just food for thought. My daughter is my best friend, and I believe this to be a good portion of the reason why.

Peace, Love, and Good Vibes Y'all! ♡

☆Bunni☆