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
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
Minus all meningitis thoughts. The flu symptons were strong. Headache,... Read More
In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa,... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More
Q. With the school year just beginning, what can we... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a... Read More
Despite the potentially dangerous side-effects of Ritalin, public school authorities... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
More and more parents are expressing their concerns about how... Read More
Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines,... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
If you really want to get your children to eat... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Parenting |