Teaching Children The Value of A Dollar - Parenting Tips For A Generation
By Michelle Bery
As children we were hopefully all taught the value of a dollar; that
the amount of work we put in will determine our reward. But in a day
and age where children seem more materialistic than ever, it can be
increasingly difficult to instill the proper values in our children.
There are several parenting tips that experts agree will go a long way
to ensuring your child has an appropriate and healthy attitude towards
money.
First and foremost, gift giving and receiving is one of childhood’s
most important lessons. More and more children’s parties – abbreviated
to fit into an hour and a half at a location away from home – have
simply eliminated the tradition of opening presents in front of party
guests. Sadly, this has also eliminated a truly priceless lesson for
children.
Parenting tips of merit include offering your children a multitude of
opportunities to give and receive gifts politely. Not only does this
offer an invaluable lesson in social graces but it makes a significant
point about the value of money. If children are involved in purchasing
their friends’ gifts - including staying within a budgetary limit –
they discover how much things really cost. Additionally they can
witness firsthand how much joy the gift has given their friend.
Conversely, when your child receives a gift, they will be more inclined
to express their appreciation for it because they realize what a short
distance a dollar can stretch. They can learn to accept a present
graciously – even if it’s not exactly what they wanted. The gift is in
the thought not in the dollar value attached to it. This is one of the
most important parenting tips in existence.
Additional parenting tips concerning the value of money include the
attachment of values to everyday events. For example, a family outing
does not have to be expensive to be worthwhile and fun. Teach your
children the value of spending time together. Spending the day at a
public park can be just as much fun as spending the day at a pricey
amusement park.
Parenting tips that most experts agree upon include the importance of
steering clear of monetary rewards attached to expected chores. Getting
paid to make his/her bed will likely not teach your child any valuable
lessons. Certain jobs around the house are expected – we all have to do
our part to ensure that our homes run smoothly. Teach your children
that your family is a unit that requires the effort of each team member
for it to be successful. If you wish to offer chores above and beyond
everyday household jobs at a set allowance then by all means do so. But
keep one of the most important parenting tips in mind: paying your
child to do what is already expected is looked at like a bribe and will
ultimately not be valued.
But the greatest parenting tips that can be offered include the
importance of listening to your child’s attitudes about money. You may
be surprised by how your attitude has been passed seamlessly to your
children. Value money and your children will value it as well.
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