Living simply and affordably is a goal of mine. So when I saw some links to frugal sites here, I went with great interest and found some good information and good writing, which was nice.

One of the things I've been thinking about it the relationship between frugality and parenting style. A lot of things that I do with the girls I don't necessarily do because it is cheaper (although that is often true) but for other reasons. For example: given the choice between McDonald's Playland and the Park we take the park every time. The kids will tell you it is because the park is more fun (we are Very Fond of the swings at the moment) but in the back of my mind, there's also getting the kids away from the commercialization of fun -- plus the "I want a happy meal" drama. (My oldest struggles with weight, I'd rather not get her hooked on fast food)

I've started putting a greater emphasis on sharing lately because greed has been a big issue: now if we buy a snack while we're out, it's something for them to share. They have to decide together what they want. Again, the lesson wasn't based in finances, but that's an added side benefit.

Frugal living depends upon forming strong relationships: with your friends, with your neighbors, with family members. It's easier to shift the emphasis on having fun DOING things instead of having fun BUYING things when you have people to do them with. At the same time, you tend to look out for each other: I know for a fact that a friend is always in need of flannel for her husband's wheelchair padding (he has some special needs) If I see a good deal, I scarf up all I can for her. She knows I've got hungry mouths all the time: she went out of the way to teach me what wild edibles grow around us so I can always find us something.

Frugal living depends upon honesty. This has been hard for me: if people say "Is there anything you need?" or "Would you like to have..." my first inclination, weighed down by generations of European parents has been a polite No, Thank You, we're fine. But now I have learned to say, Why yes, we could use X if you're getting rid of it.

That's a large part of my "Always say yes if it is free" mindset. Sometimes you get junk, but other times, the things you really need come that way. Other times I can pass things along. Keep the cycle going.
This lesson has obviously been adopted by my oldest, who comes home with free magazines from school all the time.

Parenting and frugality. Hand in hand.

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