Finding Other Resources - A Newsletter for Parents of Third Grade Children
Topics: Middle Years (5-9), Third Grade, Teaching Money Management, Parenting, Communicating with Children
What Do You Think?Mr. Scott and Mrs. James are waiting in line at the grocery store. Mr. Scott says, "It's sure easier to go grocery shopping with Jeff now that he's into clipping coupons. We make a game of the shopping and he has fun instead of getting bored." "You're right," says Mrs. James. "We also learned several new ideas to try from the Centsible Parenting newsletters. We plan to work with Rachel and come up with some neat ideas for her to earn extra money this summer." |
May brings the end of the school year and the last Centsible Parenting newsletter. Remember, the best teacher is a parent who sets a good example.
There isn't one set of rules you must obey because every family is different. But the guidelines shared in these newsletters can help you with this important job.
When you teach your children money management skills, you equip them to face many problems in adult life. A little "money sense" goes a long way.
Looking at Websites
Many websites are related to children and money. Websites come and go, but if you get to a couple, you'll usually find links to more sites.
Be cautious as you and your child navigate the websites. It's a good idea to start with KidzPrivacy. This Federal Trade Commission website includes information for children and parents about online privacy issues for families. The website address is http://www.ftc.gov/bcp /conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html.
The Jump$tart Coalition is a national coalition whose goal is to improve the financial literacy of K-12 students. Its website includes materials for parents, teachers, and youth leaders. If you click on resources and go to websites, you will find many links to explore. The website address is http://www.Jumpstart.org. For information about Jump$tart activities in Iowa, go to http://www.iajumpstart.org.
Playing a Game
There is never enough money for all the things we'd like to have. This can be a difficult concept for adults, so it makes sense that children also will struggle with making decisions. Children with allowances get to practice making choices.
The Allowance Game is an educational game you can play with your child. As you work through the game together, your child will make choices about how to spend an allowance. Categories include recreation, savings, snacks, clothing, sports equipment, gifts, hobbies, music, and other. Ask for a copy at the local county ISU Extension office or print a copy of the game from the Web, http://www .extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1776.pdf.
How are You Doing?
Here is an exercise that may help you evaluate what you are or are not doing to teach your children money habits for life. "Yes" answers indicate ways you are helping your children learn money management skills. "No" answers could mean you may need to help them more. These are general questions for all children. The stage of development of the child will dictate how involved you get with topics presented in the questions.
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Reprinted with the permission of the Iowa State University Extension. © 2008 Iowa State University Extension.
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