Helping Kids Understand Money: Everyday Lessons in Spending

Money doesn’t just appear out of nowhere, it’s earned and spent with purpose. Teaching kids about money, where money goes and how to manage it is a valuable life skill, and there are plenty of everyday opportunities to do just that. From grocery shopping to paying bills, here’s how you can make money lessons a natural part of your child’s day.

For kids, tapping a card can seem like magic – beep, and you’re done! But it’s important to break it down for them. Explain that your bank holds the money you’ve earned and that each time you tap, a portion of that money is spent. This simple explanation helps kids understand that money isn’t endless – it’s something you work for and need to use wisely.

The supermarket is a great place to teach kids about money. While shopping, get them involved in spotting prices and making choices.

• Show them how similar products can have different costs.

• Compare prices and explain how discounts save money.

• Point out unit pricing (like cost per 100g) to determine the best value.

• Make it fun by letting them guess the price of an item before checking!

Want to take it up a notch? Give them a calculator or a phone to help keep track of the total. If you stay under budget, use the leftover change for a little treat to reinforce smart spending.

When the electricity or phone bill arrives, use it as a learning moment. Show your kids the bill and explain how much work it takes to cover that cost. This helps them realise that money isn’t just for fun purchases, it also pays for essential things like power, water, and internet.

One of the best ways to teach kids about money is to let them handle it. If you’re using cash, let them count out the notes and coins. If you’re paying by card, talk through what’s happening – money is being transferred from your account to the store. The more they see and experience this, the better they’ll grasp the flow of money.

By including kids in everyday money decisions, they’ll develop a better understanding of spending, saving, and budgeting. These small, practical lessons will help them build smart financial habits for the future. Plus, turning it into a fun and engaging experience will keep them interested – maybe they’ll even start to enjoy learning about money!