WINDHOEK – The last school bell for the year will soon ring, while some Grade 12 pupils are already on leave. This means an abundance of family time and unwinding,” said Vicky Muranda, Group Manager Corporate Communications at FNB Namibia and mother of four.
“Although having a house full of children and parents that have time off is a special time, the holidays can get particularly long and keeping the young ones entertained could be challenging, not to mention expensive,” she added. Muranda, however, said that it seems as if both parents and children have gotten caught up in the idea that money has to be spent in order to have fun.
“Exciting events are generally scheduled for the December holidays, both inland and at the beach. Whilst some of the events like beach concerts throughout the day are free, your children are about to ask for money for activities like movies, theme parks or lunches with friends. To put money into your child’s hand or sending an eWallet is an easy way of keeping them occupied. But come January you might have wished that you put that little extra away or left it in your FNB eWallet towards the January money crunch,” advised Muranda, adding that there are ways and means to ensure the children have a great December holiday without spending tons of money. Muranda has a few ideas that will keep the children entertained and active.
Explore the great outdoors
What better place to spend quality time together and having fun than the outdoors. If you are heading to the seaside fill your days with time on the beach or if you stay at home, do some research into the possibilities in your area. There are often lovely braai areas that make for a great lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon get together and even though it might not be the beach, the dam or Paaltjies, bat and ball or board games are just as much fun outdoors. Alternatively, take a day trip and visit family, friends, small towns or sites that you have never been to before. Have breakfast at home and pack a picnic basket for lunch. “Don’t forget to get active. Irrespective of where you find yourself, Namibia is filled with beautiful areas that are often in close vicinity of the main cities – so take the children out for a family day of outdoor fun,” suggested Muranda.
Mom and dad’s little helpers
Being at home affords parents the luxury of attending to a few things in and around the house for which there is no time during the year or it might just be a matter of preparing for a family and friends get-together that you are hosting. Tired of hearing? “Mom we are bored” “Put the children to work,” says Muranda. “It’s a great way to get household jobs done quickly and you can give incentives to the children for their hard work which means you will get your job done quicker plus they are learning the concept of working for money.”
Put the budgeting ball in their court
Taking money out of your wallet every time the children ask is a sure way to lose track of your spending and before you know it you might have chipped away at money that was actually put away for groceries or other expenses. Once you have lost track of what you have given the children to spend, you are unlikely to get back on track.
For the ultimate in festive financial literacy for the young ones and taking the hassle out of having to keep track of how much you have given the children, do your budget for December and January and give your children their pocket money for the holiday up front or on a weekly basis. Help them draw up their budget and identify needs against wants. This way you all can rest assured that you are far less likely to overspend. “By giving your children their pocket money up front you are putting them in the driver’s seat of their own finances. If their funds are exhausted they have no one to blame but their poor planning skills. Who knows, helping mom and dad around the house to get hold of that extra bit of cash in January might look more attractive than before,” said Muranda.
When you plan to buy airtime for your children, use your FNB online or mobile facilities instead of cash as kids tend to lose money. “Plan for the upcoming festive season – namely budgeting for gifts, holidays away, the big lunches, family outings and more during December,” concluded Muranda.
By Staff Reporter