By                    Gabrielle Olya

In this “Financially Savvy Female” column, we’re chatting with money-saving expert (and mom) Andrea Woroch about how to avoid guilt about saying no to your kids during the back-to-school shopping season.

More From Your Money: Choose a high-interest saving, checking, CD, or investing account from our list of top banks to start saving today.

Check Out: 10 Biggest Deals at Walmart for August Discover: 7 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Reach Your Retirement Goals

What To Consider Before Saying ‘Yes’ to an Unplanned Purchase

As you’re perusing the aisles, it’s likely your child will ask whether you can buy them something that catches their eye that isn’t on your list. But before saying “yes,” there are two things you should consider, Woroch said.

“Figure out how much you can afford to spend on school purchases without taking on debt and look around your home to see what your child has left over from last year that can be used for this upcoming school year,” she said. “Gather all these items; and, if you already have something your child wants, there is no need to buy a replacement.”

Take Our Poll: Do You Tip for Service?

Use Back-to-School Shopping To Teach Kids Valuable Lessons About Money

“This is a crucial time to teach him or her an important budgeting lesson and the value of spending,” Woroch said.

If you have to say “no” to a purchase that’s out of budget or unnecessary, use this as a teachable moment.

“Explain that the money saved on this item can go towards another,” Woroch said. “If you just give in, you are actually doing a major disservice to your child that can have negative impacts on how they spend in the future.”

You can use this as an opportunity to teach your child about budgeting and how to make smart choices when shopping.

“It all comes down to a budget and having your children work with you to make sure you get everything you need within that spending plan or amount,” Woroch said. “But just because something is pricey doesn’t mean your child can’t have it. This is a great time to show your son or daughter how they can find alternatives that are more affordable, whether by opting for store brands, shopping at local consignment stores or looking at open-box or refurbished options.

“They will be amazed at how much more they can get when they shop savvy. Even my young children understand that they don’t get everything they ask for. I bring them with me to shop sales, look for coupons and search the clearance section.”

Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Saying ‘No’

Even if you have good reason to say “no” to a purchase and explain this reasoning to your child, you may still feel a sense of guilt — but you shouldn’t.

“Remember that saying ‘no’ doesn’t hurt your child,” Woroch said. “On the contrary, saying ‘no’ to endless requests for new purchases is essential to establishing smart spending habits in your child, which he or she will use later in life to build a more secure financial life.”

  • 10 Best Cash Advance Apps That Cover You Until PaydayWhat Happens to Social Security When You Die?The 10 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2023Experts: 4 Safest Places To Keep Your Savings