Many parents don’t bother teaching their kids about money until they’re teenagers. It seems logical. After all, that’s when kids get jobs and have money of their own to spend. But, by waiting, we miss some invaluable opportunities for them to learn how to be wise with money.
Jonathan Clement, formerly with the Wall Street Journal, offers a helpful idea for parents wanting to teach their young kids how to manage money. He suggests allowing children to treat the money we give them as their own. So for example: Let’s say your nine-year-old son has a school field trip coming up. Clement advises giving the boy the money he needs, but don’t simply say, “Have a good time.” Likewise, don’t ask him to bring back the change. In both cases, you can be sure he’ll spend it all and will learn nothing about managing it wisely.
Instead, try this. Tell your child the money is his, and he can keep whatever he doesn’t use on the field trip to buy something later on he might want. Your son may very well blow every penny that day, but that’s okay. You can bet he’ll regret it later when he spots a toy he’s been wanting, but his pockets are empty. And you can be sure of one more thing, too: The next time he’s asked to handle his money wisely, he’ll likely show a bit more caution in his decision making. And you will have planted seeds of stewardship that will grow into a greater awareness of God’s economy.
For a daily dose of encouragement and perspective, check out Jim Daly’s blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.
Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much"KJV
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