Mom Can I Have That?

A Handy Guide

My new book, Mom Can I have That?, offers you a source for a snappy comeback, a handy guide to answering even your kids' most sensitive questions about money. It's filled with responses that will get you out of a jam, fill a void, smooth over an awkward moment, satisfy your children's curiosity and leave them with something to think about so they're less likely to bring up the subject again.

The following are some of the interesting queries that are asked most frequently by kids between preschool and high school, from around ages 5 to 16. As in the book, which includes over 125 such questions, I've included typical responses by parents that miss the mark--as well as others that are models of quick thinking. Then as Dr. T, I'll chime in with a prescription for how you should handle the situation the next time around.

Overall, my aim is to offer reasonable solutions in a readable form that real people will find useful--and even entertaining. Hope you agree.

"How much will the tooth fairy bring me?"
You're tempted to say:
"In my day the going rate was 10 cents a tooth."
Dr. T's Rx
"Why won't you buy me a new video-game system? All the other kids have one."
You're tempted to say:
"If all the other kids jumped off the Empire State Building, would you jump, too?"
Dr. T's Rx:
"How much money do you make?"
You're tempted to say:
"That's none of your business."
Dr. T's Rx:
"Can I spend the money I got for my birthday?"
You're tempted to say:
"Give it to me and I'll take care of it."
Dr. T's Rx:
"Can I have an allowance?"
You're tempted to say:
"You don't need one. We already give you all the money you need."
Dr T's Rx:
"How come my friend Christopher's allowance is bigger than mine?"
You're tempted to say:
"Because Christopher's parents have more money than we do."
Dr. T's Rx:
"It's my money, so why can't I spend it the way I want?"
You're tempted to say:
"Because you're living in my house, and I make the rules."
Dr. T's Rx:
"If I put my $20 bill into the bank, will I be able to get it out again?"
You're tempted to say:
"Of course you will."
Dr. T's Rx:
"Car insurance is expensive! Will you pay for it?"
YouÕre tempted to say:
"Welcome to the real world."
Dr. T's Rx:
"How much will you pay me if I get good grades on my report card?"
You're tempted to say:
"How about $2 per 'A'?"
Dr. T's Rx: