Dear Dexter,

Right now, you’re an innocent toddler who is infinitely more chuffed with mummy’s battered old Blackberry than an expensive new toy. If we happen to swing by Toys R Us to stock up on nappies, you’re happy to suck on your fingers and people-watch rather than throw a strop because mummy won’t buy you a Moshi Monster.

But you won’t be like this forever.

Soon you’ll be flicking through the Argos catalogue with eyes as big as saucers. Yep, I’m sure there will come a day when we’ll lose you when we’re on a routine trip to Tescos as you’ve gone face-first-bum-last into the shelves in the toy aisle like it’s Narnia. Moving on a few years still, I’m sure you’ll have many a sulky evening sat in your bedroom refusing to come down for dinner as dad and I won’t find the money to buy you the latest computer game.

This isn’t because we’re horrible parents. This isn’t your cue to call the Samaritans. It’s just part of life.

It’s natural to want things as you’re growing up. We all want things. Right now mummy would like a pair of Manolo Blanhiks and a spa weekend - but these aren’t necessities (actually, that’s debatable). Most of the things you’ll want won’t be necessities either. It’s all very well having the latest games console, but it’s utterly pointless if you don’t have a home to play with it in.

You see, things cost money. And some things are bigger priorities than others. Having a warm and clean home, food in your belly, and clothes to muddy are the most important things. Followed closely by savings.

You never know what is around the corner. You never know when you’ll meet the girl of your dreams, want to get married, and make mummy a grandma. Or perhaps you’ll hurt yourself when you’re playing rugby for England and need to take some time off. You’ll be very happy you put some pennies aside to cover your living costs when big changes happen.

When mummy & daddy want things, we don’t just nip out to the magical money tree in the garden. Daddy is out the door before you’ve woken up every morning, and is back in the night-time having been delivering letters all day in his white van to earn money. This money, almost all of it, is spent on our house, and the yummy food we eat.

Daddy doesn’t always want to get out of bed. As the weather gets colder, and the mornings get darker, it’s not much fun climbing into a freezing cold van at 6am with only Nick Grimshaw’s morning show for company. Daddy would love to stay at home with us and make dens out of sofa cushions, watch your face as Mr Tumble pulls things out of his spotty bag and play ‘Daddy’s gonna get you’ all day. But he goes to work everyday to provide for you, mummy and the baby in mummy’s tummy, as we’re the most important things in the world to daddy.

Hopefully daddy will inspire you. I hope he’s your hero. Hopefully you’ll inherit all his good bits and learn from him. If this is the case, I just know you’ll realise the value of hard work and how to provide for your very own family. You’ll go on to achieve wonderful things in this world, and have amazing experiences that you’ll have worked hard for. You’ll have money kept aside for the tough times, and will emerge out the other end happy, confident and determined - just like daddy.

I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t aspire to have nice things - trust me you’ll have loads of these! In a few weeks time we’re off on holiday and this is something we’ll try to do every year. Treats are important too - and if you work hard, you’ll be able to have lots of shiny new toys in your lifetime (and mummy will eventually be able to afford those shoes and the facial she’s been lusting after). Just always ensure you’ve covered the basics first and can truly afford to treat yourself. If I ever catch you in a BrightHouse showroom you’ll be in big trouble!

Remember always that mummy & daddy love you very much and that’s worth more than all the computer games, trainers and mobile phones in the world. We’ll always be there to help you out so do make sure you come to us if you’re ever worried, make a mistake, or just want some advice. That’s part of our job as your mummy and daddy - a job we’ll never get bored of but doesn’t pay a single penny!

Love Mum

 

* This is an entry to a competition being hosted by Think Money. They’ve challenged us bloggers to teach our children how to embrace a safe relationship with money. As Dexter is a weeney bum and doesn’t even understand what “Come to mummy” means yet, I’ve popped down my thoughts in a letter so he can appreciate it when he’s older. T&C’s are here if you’d like to join in for yourself.