When your child steps forward with a want that can't be satisfied using current allowance, what can you do?

First, assess whether you think this indeed is an item that your child should purchase with his or her own money.  If it is, before you suggest saving for the item, work through a decision- making model with him or her to explore the spending opportunity.  (See Wise Pockets Parenting Activity: Halt, Plot, Do, Review.)

Remember, everyone (and that includes your child!) makes different spending choices when the money they are spending will be out of their own pocket and not someone else's.