my 12 yr old has started asking what things cost, and then saying no to them himself

My son is 8 and went through something like this after he heard us talking about the cost of his inhalers at the chemist. Children hear more than we think. I'd ask him gently whether he overheard something, even something small.

Our elder one went through this at about the same age. It faded once we gave her a small monthly amount to manage herself. She had a real number to think about, instead of every price being a vague worry.

mine did this at 12. turned out a friend's dad had lost his job and he'd been at their house a lot. didn't say a word about it to us for months

Could just be a careful kid. Mine has been like this since he was eight, counts every rupee, and nothing was ever wrong. Not every habit is a symptom 😊 I'd ask once, lightly, and if he shrugs, take him at face value.

My daughter does the same with her swimming kit. She knows what costumes and meet entries cost and offers to skip meets 'to save money'. We've told her that worrying about it is our job. Not sure it has gone in.

same with my son at 11. we started letting him do the weekly grocery order on the app with a fixed amount. now he enjoys coming in under it. made the price thing a game instead of a worry 🤷