What words, attitudes, and feelings do our children associate with the word "money"? As parents, we have our own positive and negative perceptions of money. Unfortunately, we pass on the negative, as well as, the positive perceptions to our children.
We all understand the power of words and how they shape our realities. The words that we associate with money when we talk about it with and around our children are extremely important in shaping their attitudes and feelings. What types of words do you use when talking about money with and around your child? Do these phrases sound familiar?
•"I am always broke."
•"We will never get ahead."
•"All we ever get in the mail is bills, bills, bills!"
While it is important to be open and honest with our children about the realities of managing a household and the expenses associated with it, we should consider the perspectives that we communicate to them through our words, attitudes, and feelings. Here are additional questions to consider.
•Have you ever argued about money in front of your child?
•Have you shown anger, frustration, or insecurities regarding your financial situation around your child?
After considering these questions, examining the words, attitudes, and feelings
that you have regarding money; talk to your child about their perceptions of money. Encourage them to discuss both, their positive and negative perceptions openly. If at all possible, make every attempt to communicate confidence, security, and peace when discussing money with your child.
How do you begin this conversation? Simply ask them to complete the phrase "When I say money, you say…." Ask them to list five to ten responses. You are encouraged to have this discussion frequently with your child. Their responses may surprise you! When we take the time to have these types of discussions with our children, we all benefit in the end.
Managing money is an issue of the heart….
Kandise Thomas-Humphrey, M.S.Ed.
Despite my desire to go
straight to retirement after graduating from college, the reality of
bills convinced me to enter the workforce. After several small jobs,
I finally found myself working as a financial advisor with a major
brokerage house where I learned an important lesson about retirement:
it requires money.