He's been saving up for a few months to buy one of those robot vacuums, like those Positivo or Multilaser ones they sell for around 800-1200 reais. At first I thought it was cool that he had a goal, but now I'm unsure if it's a waste of money for his age or if I should let him learn from it. Do you think I should discourage him or let him make the "mistake"?
Let him buy it, honestly. Saving up for several months for something he wants is already half the lesson - he's learning the value of money, discipline, all the stuff that actually matters. If he later realizes he doesn't use it that much or could've invested better, that's fine, it's part of growing up and making decisions. A robot vacuum for 800-1200 reais isn't an absurd waste, it's reasonable for a kid who put in the effort to get it, and at least he'll actually use the thing (or maybe not, but then he learns anyway).
I'd let him buy it, because at 16 saving up for months for something he wants is exactly the kind of lesson that matters more than the money itself. If he doesn't like it or thinks it's not worth it, he'll learn on his own - and that's worth way more than any lecture from you.
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