Teach to Learn

I used to work in a school lunch program (yes, I was a “lunch lady” at a high school, and I loved it!). During my 11 years there our district program got a new director. I once had the opportunity to chat with him about his new position and he told me something interesting. When he first got hired, he reached out to other program directors in the area and asked them their opinion on the best way to learn his new job. Their answer? Teach it to someone else.

We already know that we are responsible for teaching our children. And we are also aware of the fact that if we don’t teach them something the way we want them to learn it the “world” will teach it to them, and that might not be the best thing. The same thing applies to handling money. Do you want your children to succeed with their own finances? Then you’re going to have to teach them.

First of all, you have to watch the words you use when you do teach them. Make what you say is positive. “We are choosing not to buy that,” instead of, “We cannot afford that.”

Kids pick up on more than you think at much younger ages than you would expect (you should hear some of the things my 18-month-granddaughter says and the inflections in her little voice–I KNOW she listens to what I say!). Don’t be afraid to tell them what you’re doing and WHY you are doing it. They are more likely to get on board and help keep you on track.

Let them get involved in some of the simple financial decisions. Grocery shopping is a good place to start. Maybe they will choose to be content with less-expensive, off-brand peanut butter if they can have their favorite, branded cereal.

Kids are smart. And so are you for being intentional and teaching them about how to handle their money. And what better long-term gift can you give them than to set them up for financial success? Do yourself the favor–teach them and you’ll figure it out along the way, too.