Coupons: A Mom’s Best Friend

About a week ago, my in laws came into town for a three-day visit to spend some quality time with the kids. Each time the in-laws visit, they bring a small gift for each of the kids, including one for me: coupons!

 It amazes me how excited I get every time I see a Red Plum or Smart Source staring me. However, I recently realized that I’m not overreacting. Coupons are good. They save money.

 As a child, I can vividly remember grocery shopping with my mother. In her hand were piles of coupons that she was preparing to hand over to the cashier. Rather than learn from her valuable teaching, I ducked my head and hid. I remember feeling embarrassed that we were using coupons and didn’t want anyone to think that we were poor. I couldn’t wait to dash for the car.

 Obviously, I was too young to realize the value of that thin piece of paper—the one you try to tape back together when you accidently rip through the barcode and hoping it still scans.

 Now that I’m a mother of two, I realize that coupons aren’t a sign of being poor. Coupons are cool, and apparently, I’m not the only one using them. I have numerous people, both men and women, who are more dedicated to coupon clipping then I am. There are also the hardcore couponers on shows such as Extreme Couponing. I’m happy if I just save a few dollars each month.

 As parents, we have the ability to teach our children valuable tips and skills using coupons. Teach your child the benefits of saving money and get them involved as soon as you can. Have your child help you sort the coupons. Then, turn them into a scavenger hunt once you are at the store. Ask your child to match each coupon to the products on the shelf and compare the prices to show them which one is better.

 At checkout, let your child hand in the coupons and reinforce the fact that it’s a valid form of payment. Cheer together as the total goes down each time a coupon is swiped. Then, show your child the savings and how that money can be used for something else.