Parents know how difficult it is to raise kids while making sure that they grow up to become humane adults. Aside from providing their basic needs, parents are also responsible for preparing their kids for the adult world.
One important aspect of this is teaching them about financial responsibility. You can't expect to be a stable, functioning member of society if you can't manage your money or even make it in the first place.
Financial responsibility is essential in ensuring that your kids will grow up to be financially secure adults. In teaching this, there are a few pointers you need to remember. Check them out below.
Openly Discuss Financial Matters
One of the most important things to remember when teaching children about financial responsibility is that money should not be taboo. Keep in mind that avoiding talking about money and money matters does more harm than good. This can lead to bad financial habits, which can be difficult to unlearn once they reach adulthood.
At an early age, they need to understand where the household income comes from, where it goes, and how to handle it responsibly. To do this, it is important to be open when discussing financial matters. Make it a point to include them in discussions tackling family finances. You can even include them in decision-making, no matter how minor the matters are. This way, they can learn to be decisive and smart about handling money.
Talk About Priorities
Aside from making money a subject they can comfortably discuss with you, you need to make sure that your children know how to prioritize the right things. You can start by discussing the difference between needs and wants. They are sure to learn basic differences between the two in school, but these lessons often lack context and can result in misconceptions.
For example, the school teaches that basic necessities such as food, clothes, and shelter are humans’ most fundamental needs. However, there are food items that can be considered wants, while there are items that are considered a luxury but can qualify as needs. So, make sure to teach your kids to determine things they need to survive and those that are just nice to own. Moreover, it is also important to teach when and how to give priority to these two categories.
Discuss Debt
In educating your kids about priorities, it is imperative to give them an idea of what will happen should they fail to prioritize wants and needs responsibly, however bleak that may be. Often, individuals that fail to do so end up in debt. Educate your children on how a person accumulates debt instead of wealth. This way, they will know which behaviors to avoid and which to uphold.
Explain Various Financial Options
Lastly, you want to make sure that your children will know what options they have once they are tasked with handling their own finances. Do they want to store all of their money in a bank savings account? Or do they want to keep some in the bank and place some in say, a bond? You should also see to it how credit cards work, as these can be a source of crippling debt when managed irresponsibly.
Being financially responsible will help your children navigate the adult world in a mature and more sensible manner. Handling finances is a tough task, especially if they are not taught when young. So, make sure to take note of these pointers as they grow up so you will raise a financially capable child.
