Should 12 yr old have gift money spending curtailed?

[joe]

Our son is saving up all his birthday and Christmas money to buy a gaming computer that will cost hundreds of dollars. I don't like that he plays so many hours of video games as it is, but he doesn't skimp on his schoolwork and gets good grades, and whenever he has a chance to get together with friends and play he does. Additionally he loves sports and always goes to his practices and games.

In short, we can't find a valid reason to keep him from spending the large amounts of money that he amasses from others. We are just uncomfortable with the fact that he has no interest in saving any of it. By the way, buying this new computer won't mean he will get any more time every day to play video games, it will just improve the experience. So that's not an issue either.

Are we being too controlling? Anyone have similar issues?

[snafu]

Will he be able to do school work on the computer

[joe]

Of course. Just as he is now.

[snafu]

Have you gone to any of the school internet safety meetings?

Keep the computer in say ... the living room, and monitor his internet usage ....

This is what I did with my son...when he did the same thing...best thing ever

He learned that if he wanted something big, to save his money and he was able to buy it

[Knot2loud]

Sounds like my GSons... One saved his money to get an Xbox and the other saved to get a laptop. Both have done rather well in school and both are active in sports (soccer and Basketball). Their mom and dad don't let them forget to keep their grades up, do there homework, chores and whatever help mom & dad deem necessary around the house.

Of course they're kids and sometimes responsibility goes sour. When that happens then privileges become a little more scarce.

Personally, I think it's a good thing. He sounds like a good kid.

About the time your son spends gaming... My DD has placed limits on the amount of time they spend on games.

[KyleCo]

A computer is a very important part of children's development. If they have to keep up with other children, they have to know computers.

Everything happens over the internet. To protect them, you can block many adult sites using blockers.

If you worry that he'll play games, don't. Playing games is a part of improving his social interactions with friends. Video games also make them sharp, help them to focus better.

Kids these days are smart. They know when to play and when to work. Stay positive, and stay happy.

[HopeFilled]

It sounds to me like he is a well rounded kid with a good head on his shoulders and he is learning how to be responsible with his money. Good for him!

[SarcasmAndRainbows]

Originally Posted by joe

Our son is saving up all his birthday and Christmas money to buy a gaming computer that will cost hundreds of dollars. I don't like that he plays so many hours of video games as it is, but he doesn't skimp on his schoolwork and gets good grades, and whenever he has a chance to get together with friends and play he does. Additionally he loves sports and always goes to his practices and games.

In short, we can't find a valid reason to keep him from spending the large amounts of money that he amasses from others. We are just uncomfortable with the fact that he has no interest in saving any of it. By the way, buying this new computer won't mean he will get any more time every day to play video games, it will just improve the experience. So that's not an issue either.

Are we being too controlling? Anyone have similar issues?

Sounds like you should let him buy it.

You said it yourself. He’s a good kid, he gets good grades, doesn’t neglect friends for games and he sounds like he knows how to save for what he wants vs ask his parents to pay for it.

With responsibility comes rewards.