I’ve mentioned before about how my daughter’s school uses a debit card type of thing for lunch money. I think it’s a wonderful idea. You don’t have to worry about your child losing the money. They can’t skip lunch and buy something else. There’s no more bullies beating people up for their lunch money. (Is that just in movies?) It’s great.

The other day I got to see another reason why it’s good. It’s practice for real, grown up life. My daughter asked me if she could by her lunch the next day. She is fairly picky about what she eats, so I was hesitant.

“What are they serving?” I asked.

“I don’t know. If it’s something I don’t like I’ll just get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

“No, I’m not going to pay $2 for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I can put a sandwich in your lunch bag.”

“It doesn’t cost $2!”

“Yes it does. It costs $2 to buy lunch at school.”

“No it doesn’t. I have a card. I just buy lunch with my card.” She says this like I’m an idiot. lol.

“Yes it does, sweetie. I gave your school $100 for you to buy lunches and drinks with. When you use your card they take money away from the $100 I gave them.” She was shocked!

I went on to explain the same thing happens when I use my card at the store. That my husband’s job puts money in the bank for us. When I use my card to buy something the store asks the bank for some of our money. She honestly couldn’t believe it. I guess she thought everything was free. Just put it on the card!

Related posts:

A kids lesson in mortgages

A trip to the store

Kids and savings