I’m sure you’ve been hit with the silly band craze, seems that everyone has. Big city or country town…there’s no escape from the overpriced plastic “collectibles” bracelets. Rubber bracelets in all different shapes and colors that look curly when worn.
This trend is not unlike any other. The kids liked pokeman cards for a while too. Everyone trades something. Sports cards, stickers, and stamps. I don’t think the idea of trading is a bad thing. It teaches negotiation skills, consequences, how to save, supply and demand, sales and bartering.
When I first learned of silly bandz, a pack was $1.99. Now, they’re selling for $4.95 in some places. I understand why…because stores can charge a lot -they know kids will buy them! That doesn’t make it right though. If you’re a store owner, I’m sure you want to maximize your profits knowing a trend will only last for so long. I can see both sides if the equation.
Nonetheless, I’ve escaped buying any as relatives have kept their supply plump. If my boys decide it’s something they want, I’ve told them they need to use their own money to buy them and they need to be thrifty. I will not encourage buying the $4.95 ones when I know they can find some for less. Why encourage kids to through money away? Just because they have say $20, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be a wise shopper! These are skills as parents we should teach and encourage. Having a few extra dollars doesn’t mean you should spend it frivolously.
Also, when is too much too much? The other day my son left the house with his entire collection – 78 silly bandz- on his arm. He was just yelling me how he wanted to get a new special cowboy pack. I said why not give some of yours away then think about a new pack or trade a bunch of bracelets your tired of for new ones. He was keen on that.
By the way- it’s hot and humid today. At 9 am it was nearly 90 with 90% humidity. I ran for 30 minutes today. Marathon training is serious dedication…I’m loving it!
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