GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Eleven-year old Keana McNamara, left, Dylan McNamara, 7, and Talia McNamara, 5, display a few of their beloved posessions they will be putting up for sale at the Keiki Swap Meet to be held across from the Children's Discovery Center. The event aims to teach children about the value of money.
Children will sell their old toys and
games at a one-day market designed
to teach lessons about monetary value
Children of all ages are cleaning out their rooms, not because of mom's orders, but in preparation for the keiki swap meet at the Children's Discovery Center.
Keiki Swap Meet
Where: Kakaako Waterfront Park, directly across from the Children's Discovery CenterWhen: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free; $2 registration fee for each seller
Call: 524-5437
According to Liane Yajima, director of exhibits and programs, the event is a great way to teach children about the value of money.
Money gives people decision-making power, so by teaching children to be regular savers and to watch their spending habits, parents can help secure their children's future financial success.
Youngsters participating in the meet will be responsible for gathering up their unwanted items, pricing them and handling cash that day, Yajima said. The only requirements: The items sold must be aimed for children, and the participating child needs to take an active role in the sales process.
So far, the youngest seller signed up is 2, and the oldest is 13. Each seller pays a $2 fee and is provided an area under a tent where they can sell goods.
"Children get a better sense of the value of something when they price their own items," said Yajima. "Even though they are parting with their toys, they can buy new toys with the money they make."
Seagem McNamara's three kids, Keana, 11, Dylan, 7, and Talia, 5, will be participating in the swap meet. "I wanted my kids to learn more about finances," she said. "They didn't have difficulty choosing items to sell since money was involved," she added.
"I want to be rich," said Keana, who plans to sell several of her Hello Kitty items, including a diary for $1 and a small notebook for 25 cents.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Talia plans to part with her colorful umbrella as well.
By participating in sales at an early age, children can learn more about saving money vs. spending. Keana seems to have learned quickly. "I want to save my money until I find something I really want," she said.
"I love money," added her younger brother Dylan, who is saving his money to buy the Pokemon Ruby game for his Game Boy Advance. Their younger sister Talia will sell her stuffed Big Bird and "Winnie the Pooh" books for 25 cents each.
Dylan wanted to sell his two "Star Wars" light sabers for $25 each, but his mom wouldn't let him. "I told them they could not sell anything for more than $1," said Seagem.
"Our hope is that the event will give children a sense of empowerment by having the opportunity to earn their own money and then decide how to spend it or plan to save up for something else," said Yajima.
"We want kids to experience things and learn form their mistakes," added Loretta Yajima, director of the center. "We definitely want to make this an annual event."
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