Teaching children financial responsibility is one is of the most important things you can do as a parent. Money affects most every aspect of our lives and financial irresponsibility is the cause for most divorces and credit problems in general. Here are 6 techniques to help you.
1. Set a good example. Children are very aware of what is going on around them and they will start questioning some of your actions. Take using a credit card for example. When I fill up sometimes my little children will ask me why I use a credit card if they are bad. I have to chuckle at how intuitive they are. But this gives me an opportunity to explain to them the proper use of a credit card.
2. Take time when your children are young. Many times you are in a hurry when you are out and about so you do not take time to answer your children’s questions. I know it can be frazzling but think a few years down the road. You will want to explain things about money to them but they may not be asking because they already know all the answers. Take the little extra time when they are small.
3. Use a budget. Every family needs a budget that is reasonable and that they can stick to. A budget can also be used to teach children financial responsibility because you can explain to them that you only have so much money to spend on certain things. This will help you when you are at the store and your child is asking for everything they see.
4. Delayed gratification. When your child sets their heart on something they really want sit down with them and develop a plan for how they can earn the money. If you just give them what they want every time they have a notion your children will not learn the value of money. Teaching children to learn while they earn is a gift from you to them.
5. Comparison shopping. When you take your children shopping it is probably a trial for you. Something I have done is I tell my children to find me the best price on certain items. You can even get them little hand held calculators and teach them how to figure prices based on ounces. You will be surprised how this will turn your shopping experience around.
6. Stock market. Whether you know it or not you are investing in the stock market. If you have a savings or checking account then right now part of your funds are invested everyday. Get some books from the library or use the internet to start educating your children about the world markets. So many things are in the news and your children will become very money savvy.
Children can learn to be financially responsible when you as a parent start early and teach them by example. Let them be part of the solution when you are shopping and trying to make good decisions. When they want something show them how they can earn the money with your help. Do not forget the world markets as a tool for teaching your children. Discuss financial concepts. Like me you can learn a lot as well.
Get a free e book on parenting by visiting Zacharias Allred’s site about teaching children. You can also click on teaching children about money to see other free articles.
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