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Home > So they think I'm poor!

So they think I'm poor!

July 18th, 2013 at 12:52 am

I'm a temporary nanny for a few weeks for a family out here. The family has plenty of money and likes to show it- consumerism at it's finest.

Anyway, I was driving the kids to run some errands today, and the oldest, at 11 years old, asks if I "like" my 2008 Kia. I kind of shrug and tell her, yes, it's in good shape and runs really well, and we can fit lots of stuff in it. Then she asks if I plan to buy a newer, nicer car "after getting settled" at my new job and house.

I was surprised by the question, and told her it wasn't important to me to get a new car, unless I needed one by then.

Later on she asked about the new place we are renting in a few weeks. She asked if we were going to move out of the townhome to a bigger home in the future!

(It's actually a single family home we are renting, it just isn't 4,000sqft like her home. It has a nice yard, super close to work and is in a very good school district.)

She asked about all of this stuff nicely, but it was almost like she felt bad for us for having to "make do" with a Kia and a smaller home.

Her dad is really snobbish, so I'm sure she's heard some adult conversations on my choice of car or home. It just goes to show how adults can shape a child's attitude about money. And how money can't buy manners!

I have strengthened my vow not to complain about money to my girls. They know that I am furthering my education so that I can be better at my job and make more money, but I reassure them that we don't "need" more money. It's nice to have but in no way makes us better than anyone else. I don't want them being materialistic and always wanting "more", never being happy with what you have.

8 Responses to “So they think I'm poor!”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1374105425

    Although I'm sure the parents will heavily influence, I hope the time she spends with you discussing such matters will be eye opening to the fact that one does not need the things she has to be happy.

  2. pretty cheap jewelry Says:
    1374106743

    Wonderful to hear your point of view. It is a worthwhile read!

  3. Wino Says:
    1374107418

    Next time a similar subject comes up, I think you might want to ask precocious 11 year old, "What makes you think not spending money means someone doesn't have any maney?"

  4. mamasita Says:
    1374108878

    Creditcardfree, I hope she will learn that there are different ways to live in this world, and that different doesn't mean bad.

    Thanks for the compliment, pretty jewelry!

    Wish I had thought to say that, Wino, that would make her stop and think!

  5. MonkeyMama Says:
    1374109560

    Teehee!

  6. Buendia Says:
    1374118577

    I think you said it all in your "about me" - your priorities are "a happy, safe upbringing for my girls, lots of time with my family, and financial freedom." Spending money and consumerism are a priority for some people, but thankfully not for everyone! My daughter goes to an expensive private school (we get tuition assistance) and two girls come to mind... one lives in a 9,000 square foot house (seriously!!) and makes comments like that 11-year-old. The parents are nice people but it's all about the car, house (it has turrets!) Another girl has two doctor parents who probably make $500k a year, but she is the nicest girl. Has never said anything about our house or car or anything. Her parents are just not materialistic. Their house is large but not as large as it could be, the mom has worked out her schedule so that she picks up her daughters every day, their clothes are not fancy - different priorities!!

  7. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1374120731

    Well, every situation is an opportunity to teach. Your reaction to her comments could be a life lesson for her- so how you respond matters. Just remember, she is 11 and influential. Good post.

  8. Miz Pat Says:
    1374159126

    This was a good post for me. Everything is about attitude. My attitude is that my car is wonderful and paid for and my dogs are happy and my home is comfortable. The thought of stressing to get stuff I don't need with money I don't have is awful.

    Its the people always striving for more that are poor. Hopefully you showed the little girl that people can be different and happy that way.

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