5 ways to say no to spending money -- when you want to say yes

So, Roya (I hear you asking me) - am I a bad/unsupportive parent if I don't buy them every single pokemon/hatchimal/bluey/minecraft/my little pony/etc merch they ask for?

No. Of course not. There are so many ways to support your kid's interests without actually putting down any cash. Here are 5 ways to say no -- when you want to say yes (aka when you want to support them but not spend the moola.

One

Let's take a picture of it so you don't forget you want this!

So often the desperation kids feel when asking for something NOWNOWNOW is because they are worried they'll forget, or you'll forget, they want it! A pic helps!)

Two

Let's see if we can find something similar at a thrift store for less money!

Now you have a mission! A hunt! A quest!

Three

Let's ask our Buy Nothing Group if anyone has one!

If you aren't tapped into your local BNG, find it now! It's an incredible way to gain and get rid of things without spending money.

Four

Let's add it to the wish list for the next time you get a gift!

Grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc can be called upon to fill these wishes that don't go away with time!

Five

Oh gosh, that would be such a neat thing to own. I can see why you want it.

Sometimes - kids don't even need a yes or no. They have a wanting feeling, and need you to commiserate with the want. That's it, now they can move on.

What are your creative ways to spend less while supporting your kids?