Responsible purchasing: Developing good consumer habits with our children

At a time when overconsumption is becoming the norm, we have a crucial role to play with our children: teaching them to develop a healthy relationship with objects. Because yes, each new acquisition is a form of commitment. It is a commitment to tidy up, maintain, and take care of this object that will enter our lives.

Why think before you buy?

The more things we own, the more stress we have. Our homes become storage spaces rather than living spaces, and our children sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by their possessions without appreciating their true value. Beyond the obvious environmental impact, it is an entire philosophy of life that is at stake.

The three pillars of a thoughtful purchase

1. Real need and utility

Before any purchase, it is essential to question the true nature of the need:

• Is it an essential need or a passing desire?

• How often will the item be used?

• Will it still be useful in a few months?

2. Durability and maintenance

Responsible purchasing involves thinking long term:

• The quality and solidity of the product

• The possibility of repairing it

• Ease of maintenance

• The resources needed for its operation

3. Responsibility

Each acquisition involves commitments:

• Have suitable storage space

• Be prepared to take care of it

• Consider its environmental impact

How can we involve our children?

To help our children develop these responsible consumption reflexes, we have created a fun tool: "The little combination of thoughtful purchases". This evaluation guide allows children to "rate" their future purchases according to different criteria and obtain a score that helps them make an informed decision.

This scoring system is not intended to be used systematically, but rather to develop automatic thinking. It is an excellent support for engaging in constructive discussions with our children about responsible consumption.

In practice

The next time your child wants to buy something, suggest that they use "The Little Trick for Thoughtful Purchases". This tool will help them to:

• Structuring your thinking

• Becoming aware of the responsibilities associated with purchasing

• Developing your critical thinking about consumption

• Make more informed choices

Conclusion

By supporting our children in this process of reflection, we give them valuable tools for their future. We help them become conscious and responsible consumers, capable of making informed choices that respect both their well-being and that of our planet.

Download “ The Little Plan for Thoughtful Purchases ” to help your children with their purchasing decisions.

To go further

You will find more thoughts and advice on responsible consumption in our book "Four seasons of great deals" . In the autumn chapter, we explore in particular the importance of maintenance and care of objects, a natural continuation of this reflection on responsible purchases. Because beyond the initial purchase, it is a whole relationship that we develop with our possessions!

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