It’s my sister’s 9th birthday, and we took her shopping. My dad got 2 (probably expensive) items and my sister wasn’t allowed to get anything (she knew what she wanted). The thing she wanted was 5-10 dollars. She’s now really sad. Do you think it was wrong that she wasn’t allowed to get what she wanted?
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It really depends on the situation. Since you aren't sure as to the price of the items your dad got, and since you didn't clarify what those items were, I'll provide a couple of answers here:
1. If your family is not doing well financially and the items your father bought were things that aren't fun for a 9 year old but are good for the whole family (like a new washer and dryer after the old ones broke, or perhaps filters for your house (which are ridiculously expensive) since Spring and its allergy-inducing pollen are coming, or something else that will help your family's well-being), then he is simply doing his best to care for your family. That probably isn't something that will help your sister feel any better, but if this is the case, your father is acting out of love. Being so young, it might be hard for your sister to understand, but I wouldn't say it is wrong.
2. Regardless of if your family is doing well financially or not, if the items your father bought *only* benefit him (such as a game console that is only for him, a fancy watch, a new computer that is only for him, etc.), then I would say that is wrong and selfish of him.
Having said all of that, and acknowledging that I'm not sure what your age is, but I would recommend against confronting your father if he is in the wrong. Instead, you could ask your mother or a good neighbor (whom you know well and trust, and if you live somewhere safe) if you can do any odd jobs (helping to clean, helping to wash a car, etc.) for them for a bit of extra cash. Once you get enough, you can give that to your sister and tell her "Happy Belated Birthday!" and I'm sure that will make her feel a lot better.
