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
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, the... Read More
Words are truly powerful things. They are something that becomes... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
O.K. I've heard it a hundred times from my prison... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
Every school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
Speaking as a Michael (a Hebrew name, meaning "Who is... Read More
Valentine day has always been a special day in my... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
limo O'Hare Bonfield .."Not another meeting!"That tends to be the reaction from many... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
Although nothing anybody says can ever completely prepare a woman... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Most teens go into the work world ill-prepared to manage... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Are you a parent concerned about passing values on to... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
Q. With the school year just beginning, what can we... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa,... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
Parenting |