My five-year-old has had an allowance for some time now, earning $2 weekly for feeding the dog and cleaning her room. It’s truly heartwarming to observe her evolving understanding of money and the appeal of toys or treats when we visit the store. Recently, she saved up about $20, and during our shopping trip, she suddenly displayed *amazing* discernment. It was fantastic to see her evaluate each item, realizing that none felt genuinely worth her hard-earned money. Honestly, it filled me with pride!
Ultimately, we returned home empty-handed, but my daughter opted to save even more. It’s a gradual process, but I take great pleasure in teaching her the importance of hard work and the meaning of money.
Interestingly, even celebrities encounter these everyday parenting lessons! Take Ben Affleck, for example. A new clip circulating online highlights this relatable experience. In it, Affleck shares a candid moment with his son, who had his eye on an exorbitantly priced pair of sneakers—specifically, the $6,000 Nike Air Dior shoes. Affleck certainly earns some parenting points for his refreshingly honest approach!
In the clip from *Today with Jenna & Friends*, Affleck and his 13-year-old son Samuel (whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner) peruse sneakers when Samuel reveals his desire for those expensive shoes. With a chuckle, Affleck responds, “That’s a lot of lawns you’ve got to mow there! You like those because they’re pricey…”
Samuel, defending his pick, asserts, “No, they’re tough! I’ve always said they look good!” However, when the conversation pivots, and Samuel claims, “We have the money,” Affleck quips back playfully, “I have the money! You’re broke!” Suddenly, the notion of working for those shoes makes them look a lot less appealing. It’s fascinating how that works, isn’t it?
During an appearance on *Today*, when asked about the clip, guest host Andy Cohen, Affleck reiterated his point, saying, “Those sneakers are $6,000! What are you talking about? What are you going to do, mow lawns?” He further reflected on the challenges of parenting, stating, “You love your kids and want to give them everything, but I think you do them a disservice by not connecting the dots: ‘If you want something meaningful, you have to work for that.’”
The audience connected with Affleck’s honesty, and comments poured in. One viewer noted, “‘I’m rich, you’re not,’ is actually a great way to raise your children.” Another added, “THIS. I grew up in a very wealthy family. We enjoyed the benefits that came from that money… but it was NOT our money. We learned to work for OUR OWN.”
As parents, we all navigate these moments, striving to provide for our children while imparting vital lessons about effort and value. These compelling stories remind us that we are not alone in raising thoughtful, grounded kids who appreciate the work that goes into every purchase.
Image Source: Ben Affleck @ Instagram
