Christmas shopping is here and your kids will want to be part of it. It’s a good time for a little value teaching.
Help your child make out a list of people and consider what gifts are within a budget you have set.
For younger kids, try shopping in real stores with real cash. One of the best ways to teach money management is to give them some money to handle. They can shop for gifts, while keeping track of the money left for the next gift.
It is never too early to start teaching your child about money. The best time to begin talking to children about money is when they start asking for things. Even a 5-year-old demanding a toy can be taught the value of money and the cost of things. He can also be taught that he has an option to save the money instead.
Your daily routine provides many opportunities for lessons. Talk about how you spend and save money. Show them your grocery list and explain why it is a good idea to make a list. Show
them how a debit card works, being sure to point out that the money is subtracted immediately from your bank account.
Linking an allowance to chores depends on parental goals. If the goal is to teach the child how to manage his money, it is best not to link the work with the money; if the goal is to teach that some things must be earned, an allowance paid for chores could help in that lesson.
