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Why Can’t Daddy Just Make More Money?

September 18, 2022 by 18 Comments

A couple months ago in the dead of summer, we were running late and dying of thirst, so in a moment of weakness, we stopped at a gas station and bought a couple bottles of water. Now, every time we drive by a gas station, Little Buddy wants to stop and get water. We haven’t stopped again, but he still keeps asking. He is a very persistent little boy with an incredible memory.

Last week, we were driving home from Bible study, and Little Buddy asked if we could stop for water at a gas station. I (Mr. Handsome) told him we weren’t going to pass any gas stations, which I honestly believed to be the truth. Little Buddy responded, “Yes we will, Daddy, the big one.” I responded with full confidence that there were no gas stations on our route.

Well, about two minutes later we passed a gas station. Little Buddy exclaimed, “Look Daddy, it’s the big one. They have good water there.” 

I decided to use this as a teaching moment, and I told him that water costs money at gas stations but that if we waited just a few minutes, we could have water for free at home. I figured it’s never too young to start teaching financial principles, so I explained, “We only have a certain amount of money. Wouldn’t you rather spend it on toys?” He thought about it and then sighed in defeat, saying, “I guess I would rather spend it on toys.”

I was so proud of myself and my son in that moment. I had taught him about scarcity, delayed gratification, and basic economics, and I had let him come to his own decision. But as I was basking in my moment of achievement as a parent, Little Buddy leaned forward and said, “Wait! Can’t Daddy just go to work and make more money?”

If only it was that easy, I thought to myself. 

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Filed Under: Baby Handsome

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    September 18, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    Water isn’t free at home. You missed another teachable moment.

    Reply
    • Ellie

      September 18, 2022 at 3:47 pm

      We pay a flat fee for water each month and only pay more if we use over a certain amount, which we rarely do.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        September 18, 2022 at 5:28 pm

        But you still pay for water. Almost everyone does. It costs less per bottle than at a gas station, but it doesn’t come out of the tap for free.

        Reply
    • Anonymous

      September 18, 2022 at 10:53 pm

      Even if someone has to pay for their water at home, it is still considerably cheaper than buying a bottle. The cost for a cup of water is minuscule.

      Reply
  2. MarriedUK

    September 19, 2022 at 1:04 am

    We used to say that daddy had gone to work to “bring home the bacon”. One day, my son said very reflectively: “I’d rather eat chicken than bacon if it meant daddy didn’t have to go to to work”.

    Reply
    • Ellie

      September 20, 2022 at 10:05 pm

      Hahaha! So funny, but also very intelligent of him to come up with that.

      Reply
  3. Kay

    September 19, 2022 at 10:29 am

    What a cute story! Kids say the funniest and smartest things!

    Reply
  4. Johnna

    September 19, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    Maybe try sticking that plastic card in a machine. Money just pops out. Easy as that!!

    Reply
  5. Anonymous

    September 19, 2022 at 2:07 pm

    Little Buddy is probably right, the bottled water at the gas station is good water. I buy Deer Park water, taste better than water at home.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous

    September 19, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    I didn’t know it was weakness to stop for water for a thirsty child. Did ya’ll have water already in the vehicle for everyone at one point but now was gone? Were ya’ll really that close to home? Toys are more important than hydration? A dentist can’t afford a bottle of water? I just can’t with this post.

    Reply
    • Ellie

      September 20, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      He always has a bottle of water in the cup holder of his car seat. He has just started liking the idea of stopping and buying something at the store. We would definitely stop if he asked for water and we didn’t have any, but I always keep water in the car.

      Reply
  7. Anonymous

    September 20, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Ellie, I don’t understand why you couldn’t of stopped at the gas station and brought one small bottle of water for Little Buddy. Toys cost more than one small bottle of water. Geez! I’m sure you or Mr. Handsome have stopped and brought a coffee instead of waiting to go home to make it. Poor Little Buddy☹😢

    Reply
    • Ellie

      September 20, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      He always has a full water bottle in the cup holder of his car seat. He just likes the idea of stopping and buying something at the store. 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 13, 2022 at 12:32 pm

        My goodness, how easy it is to judge people… You were just recounting a funny moment with your toddler and look at how many people are quick to judge you as if you were starving your child….

        Reply
  8. Anon

    September 20, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    When you’re desperately thirsty, any amount for a water bottle seems okay to pay. I carry around a reusable bottle, but keep a Costco sized package of disposable water bottles in the trunk for when I forget a water bottle or for emergencies. Definitely has come in handy!

    Reply
  9. Leina

    September 28, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    I think people are missing the mark on this post. It’s not about giving your child water when he needs it (they clearly do take care of their children’s needs), but to teach your child the difference between a need and a want. It’s of course much fancier and more exiting to stop and get water at the gas station than drink water from your plain old sippy cup. I don’t really ever buy bottled water in my own country, because it’s waste of money and material resources. I love the Lifefactory glass bottles, they keep water fresh tasting.

    Reply
  10. Kristy

    October 1, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    I love hearing your funny stories about little buddy! He is a smart one. So glad you continue to post even when some “fans” berate y’all, major eye rolling over here while reading the comments… come on y’all, you TRULY think she’s depriving her child of liquids??
    Continue to let your light shine, Ellie and Mr. H!

    Reply
    • Ellie

      October 4, 2022 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you for your encouragement, Kristy 🙂

      Reply

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Mr. Handsome and I married six years ago and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Between recipes, photos from our travels, money saving tips, DIY suggestions, post about our daily life with our son, and more, our lifestyle blog features a little bit of everything. Read More…

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