We teach our kids how to brush their teeth and wash their hands from an early age, but at what age should they begin to learn valuable lessons about money?
Kylie Macfarlane, Commonwealth Bank’s General Manager Corporate Responsibility, explains that it’s never too early to start teaching our little ones about financial responsibility. “Research has shown that our early experiences with, and conversations about, money can shape how we view and approach money management as adults.”
It’s a challenge to get little ones to sit still long enough to explain any kind of details, let alone financial wellbeing. So just like with food, it’s best to start with manageable bite-sized pieces.
“Kids absorb a lot from the actions of their parents. So remember to engage your kids in your own money management. Have them help with the grocery shopping, paying bills, or explaining the savings goals you’ve set for yourself.”
The key is to make it fun to keep them interested. “Generally, parents who teach their kids about money in a fun and engaging way can have a positive impact on their children’s financial knowledge, outcomes and wellbeing,” says Kylie. “As the mother of four-year-old twins, I started introducing ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ from approximately three years of age.”
Here’s how to get the conversation started.
Ask them choose one or two of their favourite foods at the supermarket, and work out together how much they will cost. Then ask them to pick a cheaper version of the same product and work out how much money they’ve “saved”.
Tracking your money is the foundation of financial wellbeing. Your child can start by logging pocket money or ‘earnings’ in a notebook. Ask your child’s school’s to look into ways to teach kids about good money management through interactive, engaging and fun workshops and online resources.
Paying bills online? Show them the amount on the bill and explain how many days/hours it took you to earn enough money to pay the bill. This will reinforce that the things they enjoy cost money that has to be earned. “Connected” kids will benefit from learning that the internet has to be paid for like any other utility.
Occasionally point out that the marketing tricks used to make products alluring — to children in particular, are just that… tricks. It’s a good way to ensure they don’t fall for everything they see advertised on TV.
Text: Now To Love