This year our family started our Black Friday shopping a little late. Actually, we hit the stores at about 9:00 am. And surprisingly, we still found most of the stuff that was on our list.

Sure, a few things were sold out and we settled for a few comparable products instead of what was actually on our shopping list. But overall, we found some good bargains and completed a good portion of our family’s holiday shopping.

This year our son accompanied us on our expedition. And somewhere along the line the word “sale” got lost in the translation. We forgot that he was uninitiated, “green” if you will.

Our first stop was Circuit City. My husband and I, flier in hand, scoured the shelves for the cheapest deals - we love the $5 items. My son, on the other hand, began to fill his basket with lots of stuff. I must have blinked, or maybe he is just quick, but before I knew it his basket was overflowing.

Movies, posters, and at least 30 video games (some at $35 a pop) were among his selections.

You all must be familiar with the conversation that followed.

Me - Nope, no way, not going to happen.

Him - But mom - it’s Black Friday!

With all the hype, frenzy, and media attention surrounding this day, my son figured Black Friday was a shopping free for all.

In the end, we left with a few sale items, a disappointed son, and the realization that we have to do a better job of teaching our kids how to spend money responsibly.

This is how buying lunch works in our school system:

• Parents deposit dollars into their child’s lunch account at school.
• Every time a kid buys lunch, the cost is subtracted from the balance.
• When the account is close to zero, parents get a notice from the school cafeteria to send in more lunch money.
• And the cycle continues.

This system worked well when my kids were younger. But as they grew, their appetites grew right along with them. Between buying double lunches and a la carte items at the middle school, my lunch money bills were getting a bit out of hand. (remember - 4 kids!)

To put a stop to this madness, I set a limit. On the first of every month I send in a check for x dollars per kid. (you can decide what amount is right for your family). And when this money is gone - well, it’s GONE. No more until the first of the following month.

I can’t believe how well this system has worked for us. My kids now plan out the days that they are going to buy lunch. They circle their choices on the menu and add up the total. And they make darn sure that they don’t go over their budget or come in under.

The bonus: any arguments between me and them over buying and taking lunch are gone.

The kids know their limit and budget their money accordingly. They feel in control. A win win situation all around!