My son is about 10 (not giving out real age, I am funky about the privacy of my child), on the way home from picking him up from school. Much excitement on his part, starting telling me how he learned all about 'fiances' today. How he wants to count up his money and buy needs and wants. Chuckling on the inside, I ask for him to elaborate.
Instead of going on about what fiances are actually are, has many lofty goals on what his needs in life are, and what he would like but doesn't really need. Apparently, a fidget spinner is a life and death object and he must have it at all costs. After putting forth a legnthy and verbose statement as to why it was a need, and describing the several styles. I left him with a kernal before we went into the park. 'Would you rather spend all of your money, or would you rather have some of it grow.'
He just looked at me, said 'seriously...', then got distracted by the kids running around and was off. However the seed was planted. When it was time to go home, he said he would rather have his money grow and he can go through his old toys that he doesn't use so he can have more money grow.
While my son is always on the honor roll, they must be very lax in teaching the kids about what money actually is. Counting his coin, he comes in all excited that he has 73$. I loathed to burst his bubble, he was holding that small stack of coin so reverently. I informed him those coins were Australian, and those weren't dollars but various cents.
Back to his room he goes, separating out the non US money, and finally has a total. Nearly dropping everything in the process to show me. Explaining to him that he doesn't need to physically show me, falls on deaf ears. Apparently telling him that I will give him a boost to the money that he currently has, made him a little extra excited. He then went through his toys, so he can sell what he doesn't want or use at the next community garage sale.
A very good start I am thinking, he is stoked to have his own coins and can't wait to watch them grow.
I don't know how many times I have had to correct the false schooling, but this current one looks to be the best lesson. Teaching him the basics, instead of how to put himself in debt like a good consumer slave.
Photos are sourced from Pixabay
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