Can we go out to eat tonight?
A change in spending habits—going out less, for example—can confuse children. They may overhear tidbits of adult conversations and draw their own conclusions, which may be significantly worse than the reality. If you are trying to cut spending, it’s a good idea to be upfront. You might explain, for instance, that the family has a big expenditure coming up—a new roof or even a special vacation—and you need to save up for it.
It’s important to emphasize what doesn’t change in their lives—for example, they always have food to eat, regardless of where they eat it. Kids may be especially motivated to support this effort if you make it fun. For example if you can’t afford to eat out as often, ask them to help you plan the week’s meals.
我们今晚能出去吃吗？
消费习惯的改变会使孩子困惑，比如出门的次数少了等。她们可能在无意间听到大人们聊天时的只言片语，然后按照自己的理解下结论，而这个结论通常比实际情况糟糕很多。如果你在尝试缩减开支，就把它摆明了讲吧。你可以解释，举个例子，家里要有一笔大额开支，翻新屋顶或者特别的度假，你们需要为此攒钱。
很重要的一点是要强调在她们的生活里不会发生改变的部分，比如她们不用担心食物问题，不管是在哪里用餐。如果你把事情变得有趣，孩子们可能更积极地支持你。好比你如果不能承担得起频繁在餐厅吃饭的费用，可以邀请孩子们和你一起做这周的饭菜计划。
