Every spring I get the urge to purge the house and host a Yard Sale. I spend DAYS gathering un-loved toys, un-used gadgets and un-worn clothes in the hopes of finding them a new home instead of the lonely, sad box where they are currently stored.
The thought of hosting a yard sale can seem like a daunting task to some… digging through closets and cupboards, pricing and displaying items, haggling with bargain hunters…but it all has its benefits! The obvious one is the freeing feeling of getting rid of “stuff”, and of course making a few extra dollars helps too.
But there is great value in getting your kidlets involved with hosting a yard sale too! Sure, they will walk away with fewer toys (bonus to us parents) and a few extra coins for the piggy bank; but they can also learn some great lessons that will last a lifetime!
Life Skill #1: The Value of Money
We all know it is never too soon to teach our children about money. A Yard Sale is a perfect opportunity to not only practice math skills, but to also learn how to price items and negotiate.
Picture your tween with a money belt around their waist and a mission to sell a table full of old toys and books they no longer use. They’ve priced and labeled each item carefully, and are ready to negotiate with potential buyers. This is where the learning begins! First, your child will get the chance to put their schoolbook lessons to real-life use. They’ll have to accept money and make change, all under the watchful gaze of an eager shopper. Wait until someone asks them for a bargain! Your son or daughter will have to quickly learn to make a decision on a fair price, where all parties feel they got a deal.
Life Skill #2: How to help mom and dad
It’s not only the big kids who learn lessons; your little ones can learn a thing or two as well.
In the days that lead up to your Yard Sale, have your children help put sticker price tags on the items that are for sale; not only is it fun for them, it helps with fine motor skill development. As the day approaches, they can help clean the items that are for sale and then place them in different piles. Encourage them to put kitchen items together, stuffed animals in another pile, and books in another. On the day of the sale, your little one can help set up and sell items.
Life Skill #3: How to Part with Unused Items
It can be hard for anyone to part with an item once loved, but no longer needed. It’s doubly hard when you are a kid and it is a beloved toy, even if they haven’t played with it in while.
Hosting a yard sale is a great way to encourage your kids (of any age) to sort through their stuff and determine what is actually used, and what’s just collecting dust. Have them create a pile of stuff to keep and a pile of stuff to sell. Encourage them to make these decisions on their own and go through the ‘keep’ pile a few times, just to be sure they really need everything they’re keeping.
Life Skill #4: How to Work Well with Others
Running a yard sale can be an excellent practice in working as part of a team: no matter if it’s just your family or a street-wide sale.
From setting-up, to working the sale, to tearing down at the end of the day – your child will have the chance to cooperate, take the lead, and follow instructions. If they are old enough, let them work their own table and practice communicating with buyers. Your child will have a chance to try out those “good manners” you’re always talking about.
Life Skill #5: How to Give Back
Hosting a Yard Sale can also teach your children about the power of helping others. This year, rather than keeping the money earned, transform your annual Yard Sale into a Yard Sale for the Cure (www.yardsaleforthecure.com) and donate your proceeds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Starting May 25th, individuals and communities will be coming together to host a Yard Sale for the Cure. You can do it too!
In doing so, you’ll teach your kids the importance of giving back and supporting local causes. Let them know that all their hard work will help fund groundbreaking research, education and breast cancer awareness. You’ll be surprised by how motivated they’ll be and how proud of their accomplishments they’ll feel.
When the tables are empty and your day is complete you can look back and know you have helped to cultivate great skills in your child and create a future without breast cancer.
@LeighAnnAllaire
Did That Help!? You Might Like These:
 |
 |
 |
| The Art of the Find
|
How to Keep Kids Rooms Clean |
The Great Detergent Throw Down |
