If you're reading this, you're probably wondering: Should I be footing the bill for my daughter's $200 manicure and pedicure appointments?!
Let’s break this down. Before you make a decision, consider these key points:
- How old are your daughters?
- What's the family budget looking like?
- What life lessons do you want to teach them?
- And lastly, how soon do you want to retire? 😂
1. Age Matters
For teenagers, getting a manicure and pedicure shouldn’t be a regular thing—it should be for special occasions. Paying $200 every week just for maintenance is a bit much! It’s important to set clear boundaries. You could say something like, "Sorry, sweetheart, our family budget is tight this year. Maybe you could use your $20 weekly allowance for it?" The trick is not to get cornered into saying yes. If they bring it up on the way to the salon, have your polite refusal ready and stick to it.
2. Consider Your Budget
Every family should have a budget for grooming, especially if your daughters are athletes who need to take care of their feet. In that case, a pedicure might be a necessary expense. But when it comes to manicures, I believe they can take care of their own nails. Special treatments and nail polishes should be reserved for big events or special occasions.
3. It’s About Lifestyle Choices
Think about the expectations you're setting. Sure, you could treat your daughters like princesses and sacrifice your own budget. But what kind of message does that send? What happens when they grow up and can't afford these luxuries themselves? Or worse, if they start relying on credit cards to fund a lifestyle that's beyond their means? That’s not teaching them about reality—it's setting them up for disappointment. Let's be honest, how many of us actually know someone from the 1% who can spend without thinking twice?
4. Teach Practicality and Prioritization
Ultimately, it’s important to teach your kids that while self-care is important, it doesn’t need to be extravagant. They should learn to find quality services at reasonable prices and focus on what’s necessary. And for big occasions? Absolutely, treat your daughters!
But for regular, everyday upkeep, they should use their allowance. And by the way, that allowance should gradually disappear once they’re off to college.
Closing Thoughts
Raising daughters comes with its own set of challenges and joys, and teaching these decisions is all part of life. Remember, it's not just about the money—it's about the values and life skills you’re sharing with them. So, make choices that align with your family’s priorities and help your daughters grow into responsible, independent adults.
Until next time, keep up the great work, dads!
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