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.
Water isn’t free at home. You missed another teachable moment.
We pay a flat fee for water each month and only pay more if we use over a certain amount, which we rarely do.
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.
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.
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”.
Hahaha! So funny, but also very intelligent of him to come up with that.
What a cute story! Kids say the funniest and smartest things!
Maybe try sticking that plastic card in a machine. Money just pops out. Easy as that!!
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.
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.
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.
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☹😢
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. 🙂
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!
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.