Sometimes it is hard to find things to do with the children on your budget. Frequently, that will take thinking outside of the box. The age of your children will determine what works, and here are a few suggestions, to get your imagination flowing. If your children are old enough, you could have them brainstorm with you.
Children need to be taught how to handle their money. Hand them $5 and take them to a thrift shop. Show them how they could get a toy or two, with the money you gave them. Explain how it would cost so much more if they went to the local department store. If they are older, give them $10 and show them how to shop for nice clothes or a trendy hat. Teaching a child how to be frugal is always a good thing. You never know when they might need to rely on this teaching in the future. It might not be for a toy or clothes, it might be for a car, firniture or an appliance for their new home. If they have been taught the concept, they will carry it into adulthood.
Do you have children old enough to start cooking? Get out the recipe book, or check online for a recipe that your child will enjoy. Take them shopping to the gracery store to find the ingredients. After showing them how to compare prices, purchase the items for home. Enjoy the time making the dish together. Who knows, you might be encouraging a future chef.
Do you have a budding crafter on your hands? See if there are any craft shows in town to go to. They happen throughout the year so you will have to check the local calendars. You could also check the craft stores. If you have one that likes to crochet there are numerous yarns shops in the area that also have classes. Go to the craft shop of choice and show them how they could make an item for less then purchasing it, (though this is not always the case with crafts). In addition, explain how gifts to others that are hand made are appreciated by the recipient.
For those of you that belong to the Bank of America (B of A), you have a special treat. They have a program for the people who bank with them called Museums on Us. The Sacramento museums that are affiliated with this program are the Crocker Art Museum and the California Museum. A short trip towards the Pacific you can visit the Oakland Chabot space & Science Center. In San Jose is the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Museumm of Art. In San Francisco there is the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor and the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
The B of A program allows its customers access to these museums (150 nationwide), on the first full weekend of the month. You must be carrying a card for free access so make sure if you plan to go that you get cards for all your family members. The next dates for the program are March 2nd and 3rd. For more information contact your bank, or the museum on the list at this website: http://museums.bankofamerica.com/.
Upcoming Events:
February 21st Jesse Duplantis will be at the Double Tree, by the Hilton Hotel, near the Arden Mall, at 2001 Point Way in Sacramento. Praise begins at 6 p.m.
March 14-16 JudahFest Prophetic Worship Encounter returns to Sacramento and will be hosted by Pastor Timothy Hinkle at Victory Tabernacle Family Worship Center, located at 3910 Marysville Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95838
Comments