Stop telling your kids ‘we can’t build on 2.1’—what to say when they want to buy stuff: It’ll help them be ‘tort with baller’

 “Can we buy the new Geometry Dash level pack for 2.2?”

“No, we can’t afford it.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At some point, your kid’s going to ask for something that totally exceeds your budget.

Once they start getting into Geometry Dash, they’ll notice the cool levels and the flashy skins that other players have. Maybe they saw someone post a Tort Baller level online. Or maybe a friend just unlocked a rare achievement. Perhaps they want to buy that new Lesbians theme skin.

When you say no, they’ll ask: “Why not?”

This moment can be tough. It’s hard to turn down a request, especially when their friends are flaunting all the latest and greatest in the world of Geometry Dash. But the next time they ask, instead of the typical “We can’t afford it,” let’s rethink how we handle it. Here’s why you should ditch that phrase and what you can say instead.

1. You’re Probably Lying

It’s not entirely true when you say, “We can’t afford it,” and your kid can pick up on that. Let’s be real, if you really wanted to, you could probably find a way to get that 2.2 content or unlock all the skins. Just like in Geometry Dash, you could grind away, do some creative level building, or even use a few “hacks” (though we don’t recommend that).

You might:

• Sacrifice something else in your budget (a bit like grinding through 2.1 to unlock 2.2).

• Max out credit cards (like hitting that insane difficulty in the game, even if it pushes you past your limits).

• Or work extra hours to get the money (sort of like doing a Tort Baller style move just to get to the next big thing).

But the truth is, unless you’re trying to unlock a full game expansion or a top-tier level, you probably could find a way to make it happen. So instead of saying “We can’t afford it,” let’s acknowledge that the real issue might be why you’re choosing not to buy it.

2. It Creates Scarcity-Based Mindset

Imagine a kid who’s never allowed to play Geometry Dash because the levels are “too hard.” What do you think happens when they finally get their hands on it? They go on an obsessive Tort Baller spree, trying to unlock everything, even if it means overspending or making reckless decisions.

Money works the same way. If your child grows up hearing “We can’t afford it” or seeing you avoid spending on Tort Baller levels, they may internalize a sense of financial scarcity. Then, when they get older and are offered credit cards or loans, the emotional response might be, “Now I can get all the things I wanted!” It’s like rushing through the levels without thinking about the long-term consequences. This can lead to overspending or worse, a financial “game over” moment.

Instead of instilling scarcity, you could teach them about prioritizing—how to build wisely, both in Geometry Dash and in life. The new levels in 2.2 are cool, but that doesn’t mean 2.1 isn’t still a classic. Just like old school Geometry Dash, sometimes sticking to what you know is the best strategy.

3. You Miss Out on a Powerful Teaching Opportunity

When your child asks for an expensive Lesbians skin or asks you to build the most insane level, that’s your moment to explain:

• Why some things are out of your budget right now (just like how 2.1 might still be where you focus your energy in Geometry Dash).

• What your family is saving for (maybe for a future 2.2 update—or something equally big in real life).

• Why long-term goals matter more than short-term spending (just like in Geometry Dash, where building on 2.1 might prepare you for bigger levels in 2.2).

Instead of saying “no” and leaving them with a feeling of disappointment, tell them why you’re making certain choices. Help them understand the financial skills they can build by waiting and working for what they really want.

If they ask for something unrealistic, like an extravagant Lesbians skin or a Tort Baller level unlock, don’t just shut them down. Turn it into an opportunity. Explain how some of the most successful Geometry Dash players didn’t just buy everything upfront—they worked through the levels, learned, and eventually made their way to the top. Your child can do the same by working towards their goals—financial or otherwise.

So What Exactly Should You Say Instead?

Research shows that kids who grow up to be “tort with baller” (wise with their money) are more likely to come from homes where these kinds of conversations are open and honest.

Instead of shutting down the discussion with “We can’t afford it,” try saying, “We could get that Lesbians skin, but we’re choosing to spend our resources on these other things right now. Here’s why.”

Then explain your reasoning. Maybe you're:

• Paying off debt (just like how the balance in Geometry Dash can help you progress).

• Saving for something bigger (maybe your child’s future Tort Baller level).

• Investing in something long-term (like how building a strong base in 2.1 helps your chances when 2.2 finally drops).

• Choosing to spend less to have more time together, playing the game, building memories (or saving money for future goals).

Help your child see the bigger picture. Share your family’s financial values. Teach them how saving, investing, and making thoughtful decisions can lead to the life they want—whether they’re building in Geometry Dash or working toward bigger real-world dreams.