N.S. asks from Buffalo Grove, IL on July 15, 2010
What's the Attraction of Vending Machines?
Anyone else have a child that is mesmerized by vending machines? My 9-y-o SD can't walk past a vending machine without wanting something. It's like she HAS to have it! Even if they don't have anything she really likes, she wants to buy something. I don't care for vending machines unless it's a case where I'm really hungry and there aren't any options. They are usually full of overpriced junk food--chips, pop and candy. I make her spend her own money if she want something and I deem it okay. Just this week she spent $2 of her $5 allowance on a WATER (we have water at home!) and chips (we have chips at home!).
Whoever invented the vending machine was a genius...but I'd like to bop him on the head for causing me stress every time we pass one!
More Answers
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on July 15, 2010
I think vending machine psychology works on kids the same way casino psychology works for adults! LOL
2 moms found this helpful
D.B. answers from Charlotte on July 15, 2010
Buttons, buttons, buttons. Putting money in and hearing the sound. Watching something fall from the top to the bottom.
Like the elevator - what kid doesn't want to push all the buttons! LOL!
D.
1 mom found this helpful
A.B. answers from San Diego on July 15, 2010
Well - they are specifically designed to offer you something you want or even you don't want - it is called advertising - instant gratification.
1 mom found this helpful
Y.C. answers from New York on July 15, 2010
I can see how kids get mesmerized by them. I am not a kid and I do too, lol.
I don't have that problem with my kids but my 2 years old runs to the quarter kids/toys vending machines. Lucky me, she is still easy to distract.
S.M. answers from St. Louis on July 15, 2010
First the vending machines are located in places we know the children really should not be able to get to--like schools--then the colors of the items for sale are set up to bring a person in closer to look at and then guess what it kicks up "our" thoughts to eat anything. So if anyone has some coins--oh yes coins make neat noises when dropped into a slot---that leaves us the choices thing---our kids and for that matter us too the time to pick out something "good to eat" ok no one cares how close it is to supper when they are faced with the wonders of the vending machine! Producers really know how to put it to us! they have many many people employed to see we buy these wonderful(?) products and spend money we don't need to do--but the best we couold work for is to make these companies change their products to healthy items--at least we can feel we are doing our part for healthier foods for us and our kids! Also for the water issue--why not buy her a really decent/nice/she picks it out water container she can carry with her? Ok they may not allow it in school but everywhere else it is acceptable--let her help there are many choices and some are really nice--colors/designs/fancy lids with a ring space for the holder so she will feel special and can take her water from home and if needed she can always refill from a "cooler" not one she has to pay for. I have noticed that a lot of the summer morning tv shows are pushing for these machines to be tqken out of schools but they also are stuck so they are pushing for healthy foods rather than the "junk". Maybe we can make a difference! Wait till your 9-y-o discovers boys!!!!! Yipes!!!! Stay in touch with her now Mom!!!!
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