When caring for a little bean, the last thing I want is for them to have an unrealistic idea of how money works and how to use it in the world. I am for my kiddos to grow up knowing how to make it, and how to have a healthy relationship with it.

 

We can express little lessons to shape how children think about money!

What they learn at a young age will mould how children both give money away and receive it too in later life. To get us on an amazing track, here are a few steps you can take to give that relationship a lovely kick start!

1- Books

As you may already be aware of, there is such an incredible market for children’s books! There are some amazing, cheap as chips books you can purchase to influence your child’s attitude with money.

What’s more, books are a lovely tool to use for some bonding time with your child! Really, in this case, you’re hitting two birds with one stone!

2-Shopping

Perhaps you already take your child with you for the weekly shop? If so, you may like to use this time to teach them a little about money.

Start by giving them a little control. To do this you might like to let them pay at the till (with a little input) and possibly encourage them to find products for you under a budget. You can also show them how much you can spend. This will give your child some independence and show a sense of trust when they are dealing with money. Eventually, our children will become very familiar with the topic!

3- Greenlight debit card

This particular debit card allows your child to carry their very own debit card. It’s intended for children between the ages of 8 and 18 and allows full parental control through their app. This means if your child were to misplace their card you can instantly shut the card off through your phone. You can also have full control where the child spends the money and how much they can spend. Each time they spend, the card will send your phone a notification of what they are spending.  This is definitely a controversial method which will not suit everyone, however, t will be usual for those hip teens who want a bit of freedom and also familiarity with money.

 

4-  Work for it

 

As many of you may already be aware, money gives us freedom. We as adults know, the more we want in life, the more we need to learn and work for it. You might like to nurture your children in the same way! For instance, say you have a teen that wants to hang out with friends at the weekend. That needs money right? Well, you might like to make a deal they can go as long as they tidy their room. Or say you have a little one at primary school who wants some pocket money for something sweet. Maybe they get this after can they help wash their own dishes? In adult life, you can’t go too far without giving, why would it be any different for little ones?

We can do amazing things for children by teaching them the value of money. Nothing in life comes for free, and ensuring children know this not only gives them a solid outlook but also prepares them for adult life.

5- Play!

At most ages, until kiddos transform into grumpy teenagers and hide away in their rooms- Harry Potter style, the is such an incredible tool which comes naturally to children. In many ways, we can teach children a very solid understanding of money through play! Depending on the age and stage of the child’s development there are endless play activities to choose from. At age 2 children are just (usually but not always by the book) beginning their development of language. For this age, you might like to begin with simple counting activities using play dough, any lego toys, fake money or really anything you have laying around the house. Beyond this age, around 4-5 years old, children may have already been shopping or seen it somewhere. This is a great time to use imaginative play. This can be done literally anywhere and involves a little role play playing shopkeeper and customer. Really use this time to talk about real honest currency, how much things cost and how much you need to get them!