Managing money is one of the most critical skills we must master to function effectively as adults. However, public school curricula rarely address this issue directly. Instead, teachers cover it as a side topic or as examples in math.
So, just who is responsible for this critical education?
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
PARENTS can teach "money" lessons as soon as their kids can count. Otherwise, your toddler may reach his own conclusions about "where money comes from." He may decide it does not grow on trees; instead, it comes from an ATM (Automated Teller Machine).
Does your child expect you to buy her all kinds of goodies every time you go shopping? Or have you created a "budget" (sometimes referred to as an allowance) for such items?
If your family suffers a crisis such as job loss, accident, or a natural disaster, will your older child understand the financial consequences? Or does he still think that the electricity fairy magically turns on the lights for free?
If you have not taught your teenager certain money lessons, his first paycheck may be a big surprise. After all, $8 per hour for 40 hours is $320 in your pocket, right?
WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN?
Toddlers, young children, teenagers, and young adults can gain an understanding of money suitable for their age group. And the younger they are, the simpler it is for a parent to start money coaching. You may find that you are such a talented teacher that your child opens her own profitable business and supports you!
Here's a sampling of some topics/exercises by age group:
TODDLERS
What is Money?
Counting Using Coins
Adding and Subtracting Using Coins
YOUNG CHILDREN
Supplementing What's Taught in School about Personal Finance
Making Change
When "Savings" at a Store Sale is Costing Money
TEENAGERS
Why You Can't Ignore Paying Taxes
Guessing the Dinner Bill and the Tip
Performing Work Around the House on a "Contract" Basis
YOUNG ADULTS
How Credit Cards Work
What is a 401(k)?
The Pitfalls of Borrowing and Lending Money
Use the Internet, children's books, books for parents, and your own knowledge to help raise independent, financially savvy children. The payoff comes when as young adults, they handle financial issues confidently based on prior knowledge and experience. At this point, you will understand what a powerful legacy you have left your children and their children.
Valerie Mills is a sales copywriter specializing in direct mail and web advertising. She has written sales letters, web pages, and brochures for the finance, self-help, and education areas. Using her background and experience as an educator and corporate trainer, Valerie has also written several articles and an ebook for parents titled "Practical Ways To Develop Your Child's Financial Intelligence" at http://www.booklocker.com/books/1822.html.
Contact at http://www.booklocker.com/books/1822.html
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
(Isaiah 11:6 KJV) The wolf also shall dwell with the... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
1. Create... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
In an actual war, to be attacked means to have... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in... Read More
"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
Have you ever experienced one of those days when you... Read More
An Awesome Dad in by no means perfect. But that... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Some people can concentrate on an assignment, to the exclusion... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
Parenting |