Is money one of those things in your house you are not to talk about?
I was rasied not knowing the family money sisuation, nor was I to talk or ask about money to any of my family members it was not allowed, and "adult" topic.
In our house when it comes to the outside world, we agree money is one of those sticky subjects right? IWe feel its not anyone's business knowing how much, how little we have, nor how much or how little we spend, or what it is spent on...unless its our kids.
Right or wrong my husband and I feel being open and talkng with our children about money is the right thing to do. Money is not bad nor is it it good. Its just a piece of fancy printed paper that gets us what we need and what we want. Now determing what is a NEED and a WANT can be the tricky part for kids, adults to if we are being honest, I'm guility. Shopping for the new ride, do we NEED a new car, or do we NEED a different car/do we WANT the new car...fill in the blanks...
A few different examples of tiny talk in our home currently. One son comes to us wanting ot "borrrow" money for a new vehicle, mind you he has a truck. Its a typical 16yr old boys truck, has its issues but gets him from point A to point B and its safe, he enjoys it and takes care of it well. Why borrow? Why is that the first thing that comes to his mind? "I'll work hard and pay you back mom", he would, I know he would. I'm not so much concerned that he asked us for the money, I'm glad he did my concern is he is eager to borrow it to get a WANT rather than work for it and save it for a time to use for a NEED. It opened up a conversation about working, and starting a business allowing his mind to think about what he could do to earn that money at a faster pace than just waiting for the next summer job, which he doens't want to do since its month 2 of the year. It reminded me, our work is not done with this one, we need to show him how money can be used for good things and when you are a business owner there is no cap being placed on how much of it you can make. He has always been the child that saves his money, from a toddler he figured out right away he'd rather spend my money and keep his LOL!
Starting a business...is that something you encourage for your children? I love small business and try my best to support as many small local businesses as I can. I do hope my children all run their own business at some point in their life. Maybe a summer mowing lawns/baleing straw/a popcorn stand...we want to show our children how hard work can pay off and its endless possibilites when you own and operated your own business. What business will your kidos do this summer...stay tuned the above named son is still thinking...(and no we didn't loan him the money, its a want and he admits it)
Have a great week everyone! go small business!