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School-age children and earning

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 earning

“People make choices about earning money.”

  • You might decide to give your child an allowance. For your child’s development, the most important part of an allowance is talking with you about his plans for the money.
  • Your child might want to earn extra money. Talk about what is considered “extra” in your family and how to earn it.
  • Your child might receive money as a gift. Help your child decide how to use this money.
  • Your child may bring up his friends and peers, so be prepared to discuss your family’s unique situation and priorities.

Activities about earning

“People can get money in different ways, and sometimes that means they spend it in different ways.”

Surprise Money Gift

Pretend with your child they have just received a surprise gift of $100. Ask them what they would do with the money. Then, talk about whether your child was going to save the money, use it for something they needed, use it for something they wanted, or something else. Talk about whether they would have spent the money differently if they had worked to earn the $100 or if they had borrowed the $100?

Download Surprise Money Gift

Explore Careers with Money Monsters

Children may not know all of the career options open to them. This activity will help children think about what they like to do and start to explore careers they may enjoy in the future.

Download Explore Careers with Money Monsters