Earning and Getting Money - A Newsletter for Parents of First Grade Children

As a child growing up you probably heard the phrase, "money doesn't grow on trees" many times from your parents. And, maybe you've said it more than once to your child. So, the next question for a child is, "if money doesn't grow on trees, where does it come from?" That's a fair question and one that children need help with understanding and learning.

Getting Money

Let's start with thinking about where children get their money. Here are some ways:

• gifts from parents, grandparents, and other family members, friends, etc.
• allowances
• earnings from jobs

Children can get money from any or all of these ways. Of course, it won't likely be a large amount and it may come on a somewhat irregular basis.

But, having some money will give your child a chance to have money to handle. Likewise, if your child has a chance to earn some money he or she will begin to understand the concept of exchanging work for money.

Earning Money

Is a first grader too young to earn money? Of course not. It's important children know they can make a difference.

Remember, children develop at different rates. This means some first graders will be able to handle certain jobs easier than others.

Children also have different skills and interests. Find out what your child likes to do and encourage his or her special talents.

These are important ideas to keep in mind when you're helping your child think of ideas of things he or she can do to earn money.

Learning Together

Sit down with your child and try to figure out what he or she can do to earn some extra money. Go over this list and check the things the child thinks he or she could do alone or with a little help

Prepared by Donna K. Donald, family life field specialist, and Vicki W. Sickels, former family support program associate, and edited by Laura Sternweis, communication specialist, Iowa State University Extension

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This newsletter is published for families with first grade children by Iowa State University Extension. For more information about parenting education, contact your local county extension office or access the Iowa State University Extension to Families website, www.extension.iastate.edu/families.