Never spend your money before you have earned it.
--Thomas Jefferson, former U.S. President
“Could I get five bucks?” “A twenty?” “I need money for this.” “I need money for that.” As a parent, you hear these pleas from your children. Some ask for money more often than others, but all kids ask. How can you help your kids live within their means? How do you help your kids avoid overspending? How can you teach your kids not to pester you for money so often? Consider these ideas.
Tips for . . .
• all parents
o Be intentional and consistent with money.
o Encourage family members to slow down spending.
o Model savvy spending habits.
Read more . . .
• parents with children ages birth to 5
o Create money boxes for your child.
o Help preschoolers recognize different coins.
o Teach young children that once money is spent, it’s gone.
Read more . . .
• parents with children ages 6 to 9
o Talk about advertising and its influence.
o Start giving your child an allowance.
o Help your kids learn to save.
Read more . . .
• parents with children ages 10 to 15
o Connect your child with adults who need odd jobs done.
o Encourage your son or daughter to save.
o Offer to pay for school activities.
Read more . . .
• parents with children ages 16 to 18
o Be clear about your expectations for further education expenses.
o Encourage your child to spend only a part of his or her earnings.
o Introduce new money skills.
Read more . . .
** Visit MVParents.com and read more about Helping Kids Make Good Money Choices, our newest Parenting Matters resource. **
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
When Kids Spend, Spend, Spend and Want More, More, More
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Excuses, Excuses: When Your Child Is Full of Them
Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.
--Don Wilder, American speaker
You want your child to do something. Your child doesn’t do it, and when you ask why, she’s full of excuses and reasons why she can’t. All the while you’re thinking that if she just did it instead of making up excuses, it would be done by now. Here’s how to move kids to action.
Tips for
· all parents
o Figure out consequences for when your child refuses to take responsibility.
o Create routines in which responsibility comes first.
o Keep a sense of humor.
· parents with children ages birth to 5
o Go along with your child’s fantasies and work them into responsibilities.
o Give young children a notice before transition.
o Work responsibilities into your daily routine.
· parents with children ages 6 to 9
o Create a balance between home and school.
o Make a game about excuses.
o Teach kids the difference between real and lazy excuses.
· parents with children ages 10 to 15
o Set family guidelines about responsibility.
o Break down responsibilities into smaller pieces.
o Take away a privilege, if needed.
· parents with children ages 16 to 18
o Congratulate your teen on their accomplishments.
o Make sure everyone in your family is doing their fair share of work.
o Explain that everyone needs a balance of fun and responsibility.
