How do you teach your kids about money without making them materialistic?

3w ago1 min read

I want my kids to understand work ethic and that money doesn't grow on trees, but I also want them to have generous hearts. We're thinking about starting a chore chart with small allowance but setting it up so they save some, spend some, and give some to church or charity. Has anyone done this successfully? I grew up in a house where money was taboo to talk about so I'm trying to be intentional about not repeating that. What does your family do?

7 comments143 views

Comments(7)

DDerek S.Regular3w ago

The work ethic piece is huge. I've got my boys helping me with projects in the garage and they're learning that taking pride in your work matters more than just the paycheck at the end. Teaching them to value quality effort has been way more effective than any lecture about money.

DDerek P.Regular3w ago

We do commission based chores. They get paid for stuff above and beyond normal expectations, and we talk about how that money relates to their choices. They see the work-reward cycle pretty quick.

JJakeNew Dad3w ago

I'm still figuring this out with my newborn obviously, but my parents did something smart with me - they'd match what I earned doing extra chores if I saved it. Made me feel like hard work actually paid off instead of just feeling like money was this confusing adult thing.

CChristopherNew Dad3w ago

This is tough. We've tried to frame it as stewardship - it's not about the money itself, it's about what you do with resources. Makes it less about having stuff and more about being responsible.

MMatteoRegular3w ago

This is something I think about a lot with my two. I started having them do chores for an allowance around age 6 and 8, not huge amounts but enough that they see the connection between work and money. The key thing I noticed is letting them make some mistakes with their own money - like my oldest wanted a toy that seemed overpriced and we just let him buy it, then he realized he regretted it. Now he's way more thoughtful about purchases.

BBrandonRegular3w ago

Having them earn some of their own money helps a ton. When it's their own dollar they're spending, suddenly they think twice. Allowance for chores teaches both work ethic and decision making.

DDanielRegular3w ago

Let them see you work and struggle sometimes. Don't hide the financial stress. Kids who understand that money comes from effort don't develop entitlement as easily. Balance is showing them generosity AND hard work.