Just say No to the Hoverboard purchase!

Is the beloved Hoverboard on your kid’s holiday wish list this year?

Are you feeling uncomfortable with the idea, but not sure what to do?

I’m here to help you. Just say no to the Hoverboard purchase.

If you’re not familiar with this latest fad, let me bring you up to speed. The 2-wheel self balancing electric motorized scooters are made by various companies ranging in price from $300 to $2000.

Sorry, not sorry, to disappoint daughter dear yet again, but she will not be receiving the gift that is all the rage this holiday season.

As parents, my husband and I strive to raise our kids with humility and modesty. Buying a Hoverboard doesn’t exactly correlate with our family values. I think it would be hard to feel lesser than when owning an expensive motorized scooter with blinking lights.

It’s important we walk our family talk, which for us means it’s necessary to say no to extravagant purchases. It’s why we say no to our 12 year old in her requests for Tory Burch sandals, Lululemon leggings and the constant Starbucks Frappucino purchases.

Our daughter argues that she can just buy her own Hoverboard because she has the money in the bank. That she does, but that’s not how life works. I’m actually happy for these opportunities that bring communication about value and spending. Just because you can afford something doesn’t mean you go buy it. One day soon our kids will be out in the real world making all their own purchasing decisions on their own dime. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in modeling important financial behaviors to our children now. It’s an extremely important piece that I think parents are missing when they just go out and buy these substantial gifts.

A group of our daughter’s friends were recently all compiling funds to purchase one of the girls a Hoverboard for her 13th birthday. We spent time look at different reviews from places like 10Mango and we had it all planned out. However, when I saw the group texts going through, I thought there’s no way. Oh ya. It really happened. Her friends bought her a Hoverboard for her birthday.

Our daughter has an amazing circle of friends who bring her much joy. You couldn’t ask for more when it comes to middle school female relationships. But, we didn’t allow her to be a part of that purchase for the fact that we don’t agree with it.

Daughter dear knows that she won’t be getting this extravagant gift for Christmas but she still tells everyone it’s what she wants. Good, it’s another opportunity to prove that you don’t always get what you want I guess. I also told her she’d better inform her friends not to take pity on her and compile their parents funds to get her a Hoverboard for her upcoming birthday either. I told her I would refund every one of those parents their money back if that were to happen. She looked at me wide eyed knowing that I was speaking the truth.

I was elated to read this New York Times article from Ron Lieber knowing that others feel the same. One family he interviewed nailed it when they said “Restraint is not merely a matter of affordability.” Lieber is the author of the book, The Opposite of Spoiled, Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money. I’m excited to get my hands on this book!

Just because we have the money, doesn’t mean that we go buy that Hoverboard.

Take time to think through what you say yes to this holiday season and if the desired item is in alignment with your core family values. If you don’t feel anything from making the purchase, then by all means go for it!