My kids love the thrift stores. They call shopping there adventures because they never know what fun and exciting stuff they'll find. My oldest does like the mall from time to time but says she prefers thrift because she has an easier time finding clothes that fit her unique style. All of them help with couponing and my oldest likes to help see how much money we can save each grocery trip. We even high five at the register when we go over the amount we anticipated saving. She wants expensive shoes and knows that unless she does chores to earn them, she isn't getting them. They all help cook dinner and my oldest likes to help pick the Groupon that helps us eat out for our once a month splurge. Really, being poor doesn't HAVE to hurt kids if parents keep things in a positive perspective
Yep, my two love thrifting. One of their favorite outings together is for #2 to go to the city where # lives and they have a day of thrifting. I'm not a big couponer, but I taught them to compare prices and what things it's worth buying brand vs generic. They'll pick pennies up off the street - 'cause they add up! I remember when #2 and I (and Grandma) went to Russia. She picked up every coin she say. Our relatives thought it so quaint (and they are not well off) - until she'd picked up enough to take all six of us for coffee and pastries. Then light bulbs went on.
My kids knew we weren't well off, and I have no doubt there were times they cast an envious eye at their friends/classmates who came from wealthier families. But... they also knew what they had that the others often didn't (as did the others) - a parent who was *there*. One who rearranged the work schedule to be at the games, concerts, performances. One who was always available to help with homework, studying for tests, helping with projects. One who was willing to take the kids/friends to an all-day music festival despite hating the genre. One whose house was always open to any friend. One who was always willing to stretch a meal and add an extra chair or three.
LOL This past Thanksgiving, I came home from what I thought was my last trip to the store, to discover #1 had invited some people. How many? Well..... unclear. You see.... She'd posted on her FB page, inviting any friend (in the tri-state area!) with nowhere to go to join us. OMG - talk about a panic attack! In the end, we only ended up with two extras, but had developed a battle plan for more - as well as another trip out. (This is the same child who spend an earlier TDay preparing sandwiches and handing them out to the homeless in her city.)
So, OP, the moral of our stories is this.... Do not be sad for your son. Be proud of the opportunity to bring him up to be a loving and caring person, one who knows the value of money, time and hard work. One in whom you have nurtured empathy, understanding, and strength of character. He will grow into a man you can be proud of.