You Should Teach Your Kids About Money This Way...Or Not

Parents, do you cringe when you hear a sentence beginning with “You should...” coming your way? Someone is about to hit you with their sage advice on how to raise your kids. Oof. No matter how well meaning the intentions, such assertions are inherently presumptuous about your family’s unique situation. Christine Bader wrote a wonderful post about “You Should” encounters today. Stick with stories instead. Tell a mom (or dad) what you did in your situation, not what she should do in her situation. As Christine says:

“Stories are much more powerful than recommendations.”

Let the recipient decide how to apply or adapt your story...or not. Amen. That’s something we can all keep in mind when talking to others about teaching kids good money habits.

So, how should you teach your kids good money habits? I don’t know, but here are some good stories to consider:

• The Dad, the 11 Year Old, and the Candy Shop Budget
• Chores with a Light Touch in the Fisher Family
• Sandra Opens the Bank of Boogie
• The Rogers Tackle Teen Allowance
• Mia and Tess Sign Allowance Contracts
• Mike Writes the Bank of Mom & Dad Money Talks Newsletter
• Bill Fields the Teen Allowance Question
• The Stuffed Bear and the Fairy Wings
• Financial Tales from the Chief Zoo-Keeper