So, what innovative ideas could I come up with to offset this added expense? I could decrease my allowance... Hmmm. Not a fan of that one We could get rid of the internet for the summer; go primitive... Not a chance! The natives would be restless! The only option left was to tighten up the grocery budget. But how? Babe has to have 3 cases of diet coke every week. Neither of the kids like the same meals. No one but me eats leftovers. I was about ready to run away when we came up with a brilliant plan: Have the kids make the grocery list.
Now I know what you're thinking... We were in for a week of ramen, cookies, and chocolate milk. Anticipating an inclination to buy junk, Babe and I explained the guidelines to the boys (ie. budget, number of meals to provide, dietary needs/preferences), then turned them loose with the grocery ads.
Both the teenager and little guy devoted hours to comparing prices and creating their lists. We were extremely impressed with their willingness to go through our cupboards, freezers, and pantry, and build the week's meal plan and grocery list with those on-hand items in mind. The teenager's list came in right at my normal budget, required a visit to one grocery store, and considerately included one restaurant meal. Little guy's list impressively came in about $70 under budget, but required travel to 4 stores. In the end, I opted for a hybrid of both lists from one store. Using their plans, I was able to shave $40 dollars off my grocery expenses. For their efforts they were each awarded $10. (The remaining $20 went to a new lip gloss and of course, day care)
Seeing them work so hard and see tangible rewards, for a skill that will benefit them as they mature, was truly a wonderful experience. It also gave me a welcome break from planning the meals and grocery list. I look forward to recruiting them again!
