Q: Our family all bought each other gift cards for Christmas and set up our iPads to family sharing.  When any family member makes a purchase, it will only be charged to the credit card and NEVER the gift card amount! WHY? Is there a way to fix this?

Hello there ssyer,

Family Sharing purchases do all go to the Organizers credit card by default, that is unless there is an existing credit or balance on the account requesting the purchase according to this article:

Family purchases and payments

After you set up your family, any time a family member initiates a new purchase it will be billed directly to your account unless that family member has gift or store credit. First, their store credit will be used to pay the partial or total bill. The remainder will bill to the family organizer's card. As the family organizer, any receipts generated by the transaction will be sent to you. Learn more about how iTunes Store purchases are billed.

Balances can be verified with this article if you need:

iTunes Gift balances

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care,

Sterling