Life lessons from a yard sale
There’s nothing better than a yard sale to clear away the old toys and unused items that clutter the garage and closets. However, between morning soccer practices and weekend shopping trips; hosting a yard sale never seems to become a priority.
What if a yard sale could be much more than an opportunity to find new homes for unwanted toys? By getting your kids involved, they will walk away with fewer toys and a few more coins; but also with some great life lessons under their belts.
From tweens to toddlers, your kids will learn lessons that will last a lifetime.
Life Skill #1: The Value of Money
We all know it is never too soon to teach your child about money. A yard sale is a perfect opportunity to not only practice math skills, but to also learn how to price items and negotiate.
Picture your tween with a money belt around his waist and a mission to sell a table full of old toys and books he no longer uses. He’s chosen the prices himself, labeled each item, and is ready to negotiate with potential buyers. This is where the learning begins. First, your child will get the chance to put his schoolbook lessons to real-life use. He’ll have to accept money and make change, all under the watchful gaze of an eager shopper. Wait until someone asks him for a bargain! Your son will have to quickly make a decision on a fair price, where all parties feel they got a deal.
Life Skill #2: How to help mom and dad
It’s not only the big kids who learn lessons; your little ones can learn a thing or two as well.
In the days that lead up to your Yard sale, have your children help put sticker price tags on the items that are for sale; not only is it fun for them, it helps with fine motor skill development. As the day approaches, they can help clean the items that are for sale and then place them in different piles. Encourage them to put kitchen items together, stuffed animals in another pile, and books in another. On the day of the sale, your little one can help set up and sell items.
Life Skill #3: How to Part with Unused Items
It can be hard for anyone to part with an item once loved, but no longer needed. It’s doubly hard when you are a kid and it is a beloved toy, even if they haven’t played with it in while.
Hosting a yard sale is a great way to encourage your kids (of any age) to sort through their stuff and determine what is actually used, and what’s just collecting dust. Have them create a pile of stuff to keep and a pile of stuff to sell. Encourage them to make these decisions on their own and go through the ‘keep’ pile a few times, just to be sure they really need everything they’re keeping.
Life Skill #4: How to Work Well with Others
Running a yard sale can be an excellent practice in working as part of a team: no matter if it’s just your family or a street-wide sale.
From setting-up, to working the sale, to tearing down at the end of the day – your kid will have the chance to cooperate, take the lead, and follow instructions. If they are old enough, let them work their own table and practice communicating with buyers. Your child will have a chance to try out those “good manners” you’re always talking about.
Life Skill #5: How to Give Back.
Hosting a yard sale can also teach your children about the power of helping others. This year, rather than keeping the money earned donate the funds to a charity. One option is to transform your annual yard sale into a Yard Sale for the Cure and donate your proceeds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
In doing so, you’ll teach your kids the importance of giving back and supporting local causes. Let them know that all their hard work will help fund groundbreaking research, education and breast cancer awareness. You’ll be surprised by how motivated they’ll be and how proud of their accomplishments they’ll feel.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has created a website that provides tools and tips to help you host a successful sale. From scripted emails, Tweets, and status updates to “how to” videos and press release templates; www.yardsaleforthecure.com has you covered.
