{
  "id": 18777515,
  "title": "I live in the Hamptons, where a smoothie can be $30. I'm teaching my kids that that isn't normal.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/i-live-in-the-hamptons-where-a-smoothie-can-be-30-im-teaching-my-kids",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-07T19:45:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/raising-kids-hamptons-not-rich-teaching-money-values-2026-11"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "I live in the Hamptons, where a smoothie can cost $30 or more. Raising my two children in this luxury-heavy environment, I am teaching them that affluence is not the measure of a good life. My children grow up seeing lavish homes, grand cars, and high-end shops, but our family is not wealthy. I want them to understand that happiness does not come from expensive possessions or comparing themselves to others. Every day, prices can make lessons difficult; a smoothie can cost over $30, and ice cream with toppings can reach $28 for two sundaes. To avoid this mindset, I prepare my children with a conversation about money beforehand. If they want treats, they bring their own money, teaching them about the value of saving and spending wisely. While I don't want to rob them of experiences, I believe in finding a balance between enjoying the town's unique charm and teaching them to value practical skills and experiences over material things. We openly discuss finances and savings, ensuring they understand that not everything is affordable. When they spend their own money, they weigh the cost and benefit, learning to make decisions based on necessity rather than desire. Amidst the high prices, I show my children that there are countless free activities available in the Hamptons. The library offers classes, activities, and museum passes; their camp provides fun days, and the school organizes heritage fairs. We spend time at the beach, go paddleboarding, crabbing, and learn about the different types of sailboats in the harbor. Through these experiences, my children see the Hamptons as a community, not just a place of luxury. It's crucial to teach them that possessions do not define a person. I want my children to be resourceful, learning practical skills like cooking, sewing, building, and fixing household items. This not only saves money but also helps them develop useful abilities for the future. Emphasizing the value of hard work and self-sufficiency, I encourage them to think about activities that could potentially generate income. By doing so, I want them to understand that ability, reliability, and hard work can open doors to opportunities. Most importantly, I want my children to grow up believing they can take care of themselves, possessing a strong work ethic and a set of skills that distinguish them from others. Ultimately, while the Hamptons may offer many comparisons, my role as a parent is to provide them with a stronger foundation to measure their lives by: what they can create, contribute, relate to others, and find joy in the world around them.",
  "summary": "I'm raising two kids in the Hamptons, surrounded by wealth we don't have. I'm teaching them to value experiences over expensive things.",
  "key_points": [
    "Parents in the Hamptons teach children that high prices are not normal.",
    "Family avoids materialism by discussing finances and teaching practical skills.",
    "Children learn to find joy in community activities and self-sufficiency."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}