Foster Parents Careful Not To Spend Too Much On Presents

Story by Kelsey Richard 

| Published Dec 7, 2010

Due to the economic downturn in the U.S., families are spending less on gifts for each other this holiday season, particularly families that are hosting foster children.

“Our reasons for cutting back this year are entirely logical financially but also serve a larger, practical purpose. For one, we simply can’t afford to spend much money this year. Mostly, we don’t want to give little Timmy the wrong idea,” said Samuel Simpson, a local foster parent.

The Simpson’s meager income this year just barely allowed them to buy a Wii for their two natural, real children, a gently used Lexus for themselves, and an oversized turkey for Christmas Day dinner.

“When we asked Timmy to write up a Christmas list for Santa, we didn’t expect him to actually write one. We thought that if he did, it would be things like candy and vending machine trinkets. It was ludicrous for him to suggest that we buy him a new pair of shoes and a winter coat,” said Simpson’s wife.

The Simpson parents insist that they’re not being stingy, just realistic.

“We just don’t want Timmy to think this is some kind of a permanent arrangement,” Sam continued. “After all, is it not our obligation to ensure he grows up independent? We’re only instilling good values. He’s seven, he’ll get over it.”