Most parents seem to feel the need to sacrifice their own wants for their children especially if they are not very wealthy. Hence, most kids grow up with the perception that money does ‘grow on trees’ and that what they want they will get. In this consumer oriented world we live in, kids are bombarded with TV advertisements for the latest toys, clothes, video games, candy, chocolates etc. When they go shopping with their parents, very often they drag them to the toy section to check out new arrivals.

Shop owners also know how to attract kids by having tempting displays where they will notice them. Most parents have experienced a tantrum throwing child at the mall refusing to leave unless something is bought for them. This kind of over indulgence on the part of parents is not a display of love as many think. It is instead stunting the growth of your child if you give in every time they want something. It is even worse if you deny yourselves some small pleasures just to get your child the latest toy to add to an already overflowing collection at home.

How early should a child learn about money? Teach them young to help them grow up to be financially responsible adults. The education can start as early as 3, with simple tips on the value of money and how to use it wisely. Above all it is important for them to know that their parents work hard to give them a good life and that they are lucky to get some pocket money and should learn to use it wisely. Don’t give them large allowances for they will never know the value of money and will use it unwisely.

Here are a few tips on what aspects of money management should be taught at what age.
– 3-7 years of age
o Value of money taught starting with coins
– 7-12 years of age
o Teach about simple banking methods
– Teenagers
o Start bank account, teach about credit and debit etc.

Let us look more in detail at what should be taught at each age. At 3-7 years, kids can be easily taught about currency value. Start with coins and show them the different denominations. Begin with a small allowance of $2 or $3 and make sure not to give bank notes.

Take them to the supermarket with you and point out the value of things and what their $2 can and cannot buy. At this age, smart kids can be taught simple addition and subtraction. In the supermarket, let them point out what they would like to buy and show them how much it costs and also how much they will have left once they have made their purchase. If they want something that costs more that their allowance, tell them how long it will take to save and buy the item.

Their goals should be small and achievable soon or else small kids will lose interest. By starting at this age, kids can be taught that different items carry different values and that they need to allocate money to buy different things. At 7-12, kids can be encouraged to join banking programs at school or have a piggy bank at home that will make them start saving regularly. Teach them to monitor their bank statements regularly so that they will know how much they have and how long it will take to save to buy a certain toy or game.

Teach them that each coin has value and that saving is a long term planned activity. Get them involved in family accounts and show how much it takes to maintain the family in simple terms. Teenagers can start getting more involved in money management by encouraging them to open their own bank account. Instead of giving them pocket money in cash, debit it to their savings account. Now, they will have to draw cash to pay for their needs.

From this age, they should be made to pay for their own mobile bills or trips to the mall. Teach them not to make extravagant purchases and do not lend money to them on a regular basis. If they do need something urgently, advance some cash to them with the understanding that it is a loan that needs to be repaid. Learning efficient money management, banking techniques and how to manage their wants will teach them to be money savvy and balance their bank accounts very capably.

Author Bio: Article by Kenny Leichester of http://www.patioshoppers.com, a website with the best patio furniture information on the web.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: How early should a child must learn about money