Teaching your children the value of smart shopping

Last week I was privileged to speak to a couple of classes of high school girls at Colorado Springs Christian School,  introducing them to some of the basics of saving money on groceries.  Or, at least attempting to do that with what I could squeeze into 50 minutes!

It was hard for me to know what to share that would stick with them when they’re on they’re own and actually purchasing their own groceries, but still hopefully be relevant to them today.  Fifty minutes is an extremely short amount of time for me to explain how the comprehensive strategy for couponing, but I talked fast (not usually a problem for me) and hopefully some of it makes sense.

Rebecca commented that the Cover Girl deal at King Soopers last week was a great way to introduce teen girls to couponing – she was right on about that!  I showed the class how to get four eyeshadows for less than $1 apiece, and was able to give away 8 eye shadows that I’d gotten for free previously.  So, if nothing else, maybe teen girls can save on makeup with coupons!

This week we were in Sunflower Market and my four year old said “I like those, Mommy!  Can we buy them?  Are they on sale?” which solicited a few chuckles from the other shoppers.  (If only they knew!)

But, I’m wondering – are you teaching your children the value of smart shopping? Do they think you’re crazy, or have you been able to communicate to them that waiting for something to go on sale can enable you to purchase things you wouldn’t be able to normally be able to afford?

Do you have any tips on training your kids, of any age, to be strategic shoppers?  I’d love to hear simple ways you’re showing your children the value of a dollar.