“I want this! I want that! I want those!” It only takes a few trips to the supermarket or toy store before parents start to hear this from their kids while walking up and down the aisles. Not only can it be frustrating, but it can be hard to make them sad by saying no. If only kids knew the value of a dollar at a young age. Since that isn’t the case, there are ways to help your child learn more about the value of money as they grow up. Not only will it limit the amount of “I want” but it will start positive spending habits for them when they have to make their own decisions.
Tell Kids the Truth
Make sure to always tell your kids the truth. If you’ve been acting anxious and on edge lately, they’ve noticed. Rather than let them wonder why Mom and Dad are working so much or constantly talking about money, explain to them what’s going on in the family’s financial world in terms they will understand. Explain to them how much things cost as well. Some parents are surprised to find out that their kids don’t have a very good grasp on what things cost. A great hands-on way to open their eyes is to take them on a “money tour” around the house. For example, kids might not understand that hot water costs more than cold water, or that bumping up the heat results in higher power bills. This exercise will teach them how they can conserve and thus help the family save money.
Use Allowances to Teach
As kids grow up, allowances are a great teaching tool for handling money. You don’t have to break child labor laws to find great ways to help your kids earn their allowance rather than just have it handed over to them. A well-implemented allowance program can mimic many money matters that adults face every day throughout their lives. From recognizing the need to earn the green stuff to learning how to responsibly and intelligently spend, save, and invest their allowance, children can gain a solid financial footing from a young age.
Continue to teach them while going through your daily routine. Teaching them to shop wisely is very important. Family shopping trips, whether for groceries or something else, are likely to be your kids’ first encounter with spending. They’ll see you make decisions based on what the family needs, maybe see the occasional coupon used, and will observe how you pay. These trips are a great time to teach them lessons about money and the value of product research and comparison shopping.
Once your kids reach their teenage years, encourage them to get a job. An allowance doesn’t have to be the only way for your kids to earn money. Your child’s initial exposure to the work-for-pay world can start with something as simple as a lemonade stand. Depending on age, he or she might do yardwork for neighbors or offer babysitting services. Earning your own money is one of the greatest ways to start implementing smart spending habits. No one likes to spend their own money, especially kids. Once they learn the value of a dollar, they will be sure to be smart when it comes to financial decisions. (References: HVParent.com)
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