Children + Money Messages

Every household has its own way of dealing with the family finances. Along the way, you may be telling your kids certain money messages that have become a daily habit. The following are four common money messages and the impact each one may have on your children.

#1: Mommy and daddy have to work to buy you things

This message is a common excuse to not spending time with your kids. It is always busy doing this or that to earn money in order to buy toys or clothes, etc. Actually a child will not understand why you are always not around to spend time with her. Your child will understand the message but she will notice that you are always unavailable. The advice here is to make a date with your child or schedule time together as often as possible.

#2: Mommy and daddy cannot afford that

Often, to avoid purchasing something for our child, we like to say we can’t afford it. This may give your child the message that she is greedy. It is good to analyze what we mean when we say it. Does it mean that we can’t afford it ever? Can’t afford it today but affordable in the future? Can afford but we do not want to waste the money? To avoid confusing your child, it is advisable to be specific when you give this message.

#3: Mommy and daddy will buy whatever you want

Some parents do indulge their children and buy things that are not necessary. Hence, the children can end up being spoiled. Later on when you refuse to buy them things, they will not take no for an answer. The damage has been done where the child will grow up thinking that the world owes her a living.

Loving your child does not mean having to meet all of her demands for material things. Teach your child to appreciate what she has and to practice delayed gratification. Avoid going to the store with your child if necessary or to warn her beforehand that you will only buy according to your shopping list.

photo credit: Svadilfari

#4: “So what if your friend has ten Barbie dolls”

After a play date with a certain friend, you are bound to hear this kind of messages. A whole room full of toys. A box full of electronic games. Parents tend to get defensive and start to lecture their kids on the evil of materialism which may cause the children to switch off. Pay attention to what your child really means when she talks or reports to you. She may only be telling you what she saw and that’s all. Always listen first and then give your advice. Your child will then continue to talk to you throughout her growing up years and appreciate your answers or advice.

Tagged as: delayed gratificaton, Family Finance, materialism, money messages, play date