[pennywise]

I would like to add: your emotions are in the decision making process. You think of the children and become happy, so you buy to please the children - so you think at the time. However, you also know they are very pleased with the pudding. The children really want time with you. They want to sit and play with you and hear you tell them stories, this is what makes them happy. You, on the other hand, cannot be happy while you play because you are "worried" about the money you spent. So, bypass it next time thinking it is time to read a story to your children, play a game (remember "mother may I"). I hope this will help. Emotions must come out of financial decisions. Think about a carnival - the wallet is nearly empty but dad will open it for a cotton candy because the family is currently happy. Saying no is not accepted in our society anymore. We do not teach our children frugality and that education must be paid for later. I say "keep them happy and they will open their wallets". We must be cognizant of our financial situation and learn to enjoy the simple things in life. Our children are our blessings and will love us not matter what, we cannot buy them.