With the ‘Credit Crunch’ well and truly upon us the impact of ‘Pester Power’ on a family is greater than ever. Our recent re-patriation to the UK from Oz and the subsequent scramble to find jobs and get ourselves re-established as a family in Britain have seen some extraordinary displays of belt tightening in our house – at least from the grown ups point of view. Expecting a 10 year old to understand might be too much.“I want to go Ice Skating! I want a trampoline! I want sweets! I WANT!” Familiar cries in our household, along with the wheedling “Everyone else has got…When can I get…” Managing the witchlings’ expectations and demands has never been so demanding but it IS possible to beat Pester Power.

Children are the targets of ruthless marketing campaigns and turning off the TV won’t help. If they don’t want the breakfast cereal or latest fad toy that they saw on a TV advert they will hear about it from their friends soon enough and we all know how important it is to keep up with the Joneses – even in Yr5! Don’t get me wrong, I love to spoil the witchlings occaisionally. This weekend it was a new T shirt each, but I draw the line at acquiescing to every whim Witchling 12 might have for a complete new outfit and matching handbag!

It’s very difficult to say no to the people we love. But here are my top tips for when the battle of the Dangly Earrings/Bindeez/Wheelie Shoes/Hair Dye (Delete as appropriate each Saturday afternoon at the shops!) begins in ernest,

  • I am the Witchlings’ Mother! NOT the advertisers. They will try to sell this junk to my children whether it’s suitable or not. Remember who’s actually in charge!

  • I try to explain, in simple terms, what my reasons are for saying no. If it’s too expensive or I don’t think it’s age appropriate then I say so. I want them to know I have their best interests at heart and I’m not trying to be cruel.

  • The Witchlings both just started new schools (again! More on that later) so they are trying to fit in. I understand that and I’m careful not to be dismissive of their attempts, but it still doesn’t mean I have to buy Witchling 10 a new Nokia!

  • Witchling 12 wants a laptop. A LAPTOP!!! As a compromise she is saving half her pocket money each week along with her Birthday money. Once she hits her target of £200 in the bank (She is well on the way) we will meet her half way and top up her savings to get her what she wants. The same goes for Witchling 10 and her trampoline. They are learning about the value of money and are in control of their own money. Life skills that will be invaluable as the witchlings grow up during the credit crunch!
  • Saying NO. When I say no - I mean NO. This is the hardest one. You have to bite the bullet and really REALLY mean it. Nip the tantrums and the whining in the bud by being firm right from the start.
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