Ah, the Nintendo Switch – that sleek gaming console that had become the epicenter of our young coconuts’ desires. Could you blame them, though? Like countless parents, Mr. C and I were caught in the classic tug-of-war between screen time and keeping the kiddos content.
Handing over the goods outright? Didn’t sit right with us for this one! After some time spent delaying the inevitable, we knew the day would come. But here’s the thing – this wasn’t going to be just another toy. I wanted our kids to truly value this pricey gadget, not toss it aside like the rest of their playthings. Enter the master plan: let’s introduce them to the world of finance. So, instead of a flat-out no, we threw down a challenge – sell your toys, and we’ll match your efforts dollar for dollar. Enter the Nintendo Fund – a brainstorm that aimed to not only make them earn it but also slip in a lesson or two about money while they were at it. Boom – and so the Nintendo Fund adventure began.
Earnings and Add-ons:
First round of contributions was promising. The boys sold off some toys, gathered $25 – not exactly what we hoped for but we were encouraged! Then, Coco#2 stepped up, contributing $60 from his birthday loot with some convincing. Total in the pot? $85. Decent, but still a long way from the hefty $350 price tag of the Nintendo Switch OLED. We set the bar high; after all, it’s gotta be a challenge, right?
Coco#1’s Birthday Twist:
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Coco#1, the birthday boy of the weekend that just went past, took things up a notch. He designed his own birthday invite and used some fancy AI on Canva to make it look legit. Instead of regular gifts, he straight-up asked for cash to fund his Nintendo Switch dreams. He asked me if that would be rude (ah my little guy, so sweet!)? I told him that I didn’t think so. Nothing would make your family / friends happier than giving you something you really want! Being earnest and genuine goes a lot way. And you know what? Friends and family came through like champs, tossing bills into the pot (figuratively!).
With the backing of their posse, the Nintendo dreams are manifesting into reality. The fund not only sorted out the Switch but also threw in a couple of games to jazz things up. You can practically sense the enthusiasm radiating from them. We’re banking on the fact that they’ll hold this console dearer than if we had simply gifted it to them. And now, onto the shopping spree, which brings its own special kind of joy!
While whatever lessons that stick at this age (or any age for that matter!), is a win, we’re hoping that:
- Smart Money Moves: They learned the ropes of setting goals and hustling to reach them.
- Patience is a Virtue: Waiting for something they really wanted? Check. Makes the victory even sweeter.
- Use What You Got: Selling toys and creatively shaking down friends / relatives for birthday cash – resourcefulness at its finest.
- Cheers to the Crew: Gratitude for the gang that pitched in. Lesson? Family and friends are golden.
So there you have it, the Nintendo Switch journey – from daydreaming to joystick-juggling.
