Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets too pricey? How parents can talk to kids about unrealistic purchases

Taylor Swift has three more Eras Tour shows in Toronto from Nov. 21 to 23, and fans are still scrambling for tickets, some of which were reportedly selling for up to $33,000. Buying such expensive tickets can be tough for parents who are trying to handle their children's expectations — and the inevitable disappointment if they can't meet them.

But Kate Saunders, a Vancouver-based registered clinical counsellor, says moments like these present valuable opportunities to teach children about limits, money and emotional resilience.

"While I appreciate the devotion and sacrifice parents make for their children, and the underlying intent to create happiness and joy, I believe there is a consequence to increased indulgence," Saunders tells Yahoo Canada via email.

Tickets for the sold-out shows — the first three in Toronto ran from Nov. 14 to 16 — went on sale in 2023, and few fans have reportedly been lucky enough to snag last-minute tickets for only $600. But it's likely too late to buy directly from Ticketmaster.

Now, fans can look at resale sites like StubHub or SeatGeek, or try to win tickets through contests or raffles. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario is also auctioning off two tickets to the final show on Nov. 23, with a current bid sitting at $10,000. If all else fails, parents might just have to tell their kids, "Sorry, we'll have to catch the next tour!"

The value of saying 'no'

In today's fast-paced, on-demand world, Saunders says many children are struggling with a lowered ability to tolerate delayed gratification and frustration.

"In my practice with children and families over the past 25 years, I've noticed an uptick in youth with decreased frustration- and disappointment-tolerance," she says, adding these challenges could be linked to modern conveniences. Those might include same-day delivery, on-demand entertainment and the constant stream of targeted marketing on social media.

However, it's OK — and even necessary — for parents to say "no" to unrealistic demands, such as having to pay for a ticket costing thousands of dollars, Saunders says. While it's difficult to watch children experience distress, shielding them from disappointment does more harm than good in the long run.

"Avoiding uncomfortable emotions isn't as beneficial as helping children through their distress," Saunders explains. "This better prepares them for life and allows them to process common emotional experiences with the support of their caregivers."

Experiencing disappointment builds emotional resilience, a skill that can serve children throughout their lives. "None of us got everything we wanted, and it's not realistic to expect that," Saunders adds.

According to the American College of Pediatricians, parenting is about balancing "yes" and "no." Saying "no" too often can lead to power struggles or discourage kids from asking for what they want. However, always saying "yes" can prevent children from learning discipline, boundaries and how to cope with disappointment.

Turning situations into teachable moments

Saying "no" to purchasing an Eras Tour concert ticket can become a teachable moment for kids to understand the value of money by showing how it relates to time and work.

A Brigham Young University study published in 2022 found it's important for parents to talk to their kids about money and model good financial behaviours. However, these actions alone aren't enough to fully prepare children to be financially responsible adults.

The research showed the best way parents can help is by giving their children hands-on experience with money. This means letting them manage their own money and making financial decisions. Kids who had these real-life experiences felt more confident in managing their finances as young adults.

Saunders suggests parents can teach their children practical ways to save money by encouraging them to offer jobs around their neighbourhood. That might include holding a bake or craft sale, or selling their clothes and toys.

Another idea to teach children and teens the value of money, she says, is to approach teachers with a math problem of the situation. They can use the amount of money needed for an Eras Tour ticket with the wage of an average profession, including the education required to achieve that position.

"If they learn how much time it takes to earn the money required for an expensive purchase, young people are more likely to internalize the relationship between effort and reward," Saunders says.

How children can learn to appreciate non-material joys

Instead of focusing on purchasing items, parents can guide their children towards appreciating non-material joys. Gratitude can be cultivated, Saunders says, through meaningful experiences like exploring nature, working on creative projects or preparing a special meal together.

According to research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, when people feel grateful, they're more likely to feel satisfied with their lives and less inclined to pursue materialistic goals.

Focusing too much on possessions can actually make people less happy and more anxious. It can also harm relationships and personal growth. Materialistic people often have lower and more unstable self-esteem because they rely on possessions for happiness, the research states.

To help children see the value of connection and character over consumerism, Saunders says it's important to have them engage in cultural or spiritual events. "These are the things that build connection, character and lifelong values beyond the pressures of capitalism," she says.

By thoughtfully addressing the challenges of managing expectations, high concert ticket prices and potential disappointment, parents can help their children learn important life lessons. For Saunders, she says the best experiences and values often come from learning to deal with disappointment and finding joy in everyday life — even if it means missing out on a Taylor Swift concert this time around.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.