Try this at home

Tom and Kate’s three children wanted a trampoline: after all everyone else had one! Pester power swung into action so mum and dad found a solution. All three agreed to save Christmas and birthday money from their nan. They play on it every day. One day they will grow out of it – but what they learned in a year of waiting and saving will last a lifetime.

Kerry’s dad was a financial adviser. She learned early about money and this Christian family gladly sponsored a child overseas. But Kerry was never asked to contribute from her own money. Thirty years later with children of her own Kerry knows this was a missed opportunity.

Today’s tweens (8-12’s) and teens are growing up in a materialist, consumer society. They have more disposable income, more opportunities to spend and more people telling them how to spend it than their parents ever knew. Much teenage friction turns on money: to express self, to assert independence, to act out unhappiness or lack of certainty and in response to peer pressure.

Children need guidance to learn money values and skills. If we don’t talk money we have little control over what they learn or where they learn it. We would never settle for this around sex, drugs or emotional development! And like so much in life, the money values we learn – or don’t learn – in early years shape our adult lives. There is much parents can do – and the wider family, adult friends and church congregations also play an important part.

reduce exposure and build media awareness

Control screen time (TV, internet,Facebook etc) but also help children read media and advertising messages.

build waiting skills

Help children learn to defer gratification: e.g. a 48 hour waiting rule for their wants; saving a percentage cost of a new purchase - but don’t strip the present of meaning, enjoyment or spontaneity.

model and teach generosity:

57% of children say that they would be happier if they had more money to buy things. Giving money helps build resistance to the affluenza virus.Encourage giving from pocket money; talk about why and where you give. Teach also the value of giving time and skills.

practice gratitude

Thankfulness helps kids savour what they have and releases a generous spirit. Thank you letters after birthday presents are more than courtesy; encourage gifts to others less fortunate at times of celebration.

Read more at Resistance is Futile?