It’s that time of year when sales and promotions are all around. But not all of them are offers we should take up. We need to teach our children to see past the big signs declaring ‘half price’ and to make informed decisions about what to buy. Children are exposed to marketing from a young age—whether it’s in the supermarket, through TV ads, or online. Here’s how parents can help their little ones understand these concepts and develop skills to make better choices.
1. Explain What Sales Are in Simple Terms
Start with the basics. Explain that sales are when shops lower the price of items to get people to buy more. Use examples they’re familiar with. For instance, if they see their favourite toy discounted, say, “This toy is usually £20, but now it’s on sale for £15. That means you’re saving £5 if you buy it now.”
Key tip: Keep the conversation simple and relatable. Use language they understand, like “cheaper” or “less money,” instead of “discount” or “promotion.”
2. Introduce the Concept of Value
One of the most important lessons kids can learn is that a sale doesn’t always mean something is a good deal. Help them think about value. Ask questions like, “Do we really need this right now?” or “Will this toy still be fun in a month?” This encourages children to consider whether they really want or need the item before jumping at a sale price.
Activity idea: Next time you shop together, compare two items—one on sale and one not. Talk about what makes something a good deal. This will help them see that sales aren’t the only factor in making smart buying choices, and that other things about the product matter as well.
3. Teach Kids About Marketing Tricks
Sales and promotions are designed to get people to buy more, and kids need to understand this. Explain how stores use things like bright colours, fun characters, or “limited-time offers” to make something seem more exciting or urgent than it really is. You could say, “Stores want us to think we have to buy it now, but we can take our time and decide.”
Role play idea: Pretend to be a salesperson and ask your child to be the customer. Create scenarios where they have to decide if something is a good deal or if they really need it. This helps them spot marketing tactics and think critically.
4. Introduce the Idea of Budgeting
Even at a young age, children can grasp the idea of having a limited amount of money to spend. Give them a small budget—either real money or play money—when you go shopping. Let them pick out a few items, including one on sale, and help them understand how to make choices within that budget. They’ll start to see that sales can help, but only if it’s something they really want and can afford.
Fun game: Set up a “shop” at home with their toys or snacks. Give them a budget and different prices (including some sales offers), and let them “shop” while staying within their budget.
5. Encourage Patience and Thoughtful Decision-Making
One of the best habits you can help children develop is patience. Encourage them to wait a little while before making a decision, even if something is on sale. You can suggest they wait one day before buying anything, even if it’s discounted. This teaches them to think before acting, a crucial skill for avoiding impulse purchases.
Example: If your child sees a toy they want on sale, suggest, “Let’s wait until tomorrow and see if you still want it.” This helps them understand that it’s okay to walk away from a sale.
Final Thoughts
By teaching young children about sales and promotions in a fun, hands-on way, you’re giving them tools to navigate a world full of adverts and promotions more thoughtfully. The lessons they learn now will help them make better financial decisions as they grow older. It’s not about avoiding sales—it’s about making sure they understand when a deal is truly valuable and how to stay in control of their spending.
Comments