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Young children and planning

Talking with your child about money can go smoother if you keep the conversation age appropriate. The conversation starters and activities here can help you find the words.

Conversations about planning

“Win or lose, you get better at games when you practice.”

  • Games and activities can help your child build skills that might not seem related to money management—but they form an important foundation.
  • Playing musical chairs or Simon Says help your child pay attention and make quick decisions.
  • Guessing games like 20 Questions or I Spy can help your child exercise her memory and think creatively.

Activities about planning

“It helps to pay attention, remember, and adjust.”

Pretend Play

Use suggested scenarios and props to get creative and act out activities, like going to work or going shopping.

Space Journey Choices

Ask your child to close their eyes and imagine taking a trip to outer space. Have them think about all the choices they have for cargo. Ask your child to decide on only three things to take that will bring the best results for the space trip. Next, ask your child to open their eyes. Ask what your child decided to take into space. Ask if it was difficult to choose only three items, and how they decided.

Download Space Journey Choices

Meet Yourself as a Big Kid

Children can have a hard time planning for the future because they’re so focused on today. This activity can help them think about what their life might be like in the future.

Download Meet Yourself as a Big Kid