I’m always asked “how do I teach my kids about money?” Well, you talk to them about it!

I don’t know why this is such a touchy subject with parents and kids. I talk all the time about to my kids about money. Here’s a perfect example.

My son purchased some “fake” Crocs at Walmart about a month ago. They both have just been “dying” for a pair. He took his money and bought some at Walmart.

Well, a kid at school was teasing him because he didn’t have the “real” thing. So I said “well, BJ do you think that it’s worth paying $25 more for your Crocs so you have a picture of a crocodile on the side?” He said “no way!” I said “well, if you want to pay $30 for your Crocs instead of the $5 you are more than welcome to spend your money and do it. But I can think of a lot of other things you would rather buy instead.” He said “yeah, there’s no way I would pay $30 when I could pay $5 instead. (so and so) is stupid for paying that much” Of course then we had to discuss why people aren’t wise in spending their money and how we shouldn’t call “them” stupid but maybe their “actions” are stupid.

See, no big deal. He got he point and is learning money management and has a good self-esteem still. It’s really not that hard, just don’t be afraid to talk to your kids about it.

Tawra

P.S. Just so I don’t get a bunch of e-mails. I know that “fake” Crocs aren’t the same as “real” Crocs but my son doesn’t have foot problems so it doesn’t matter for him.