JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

Have you observed how easily children can manipulate their parents? We’re talking about children between the ages of 4 and 10 whose parents have jobs. They sense that their parents are guilty about not being around to watch all their milk teeth fall out or take them to ballet class or praise them for every B+ they ever get in school, and they cash in on this guilt. Literally.

When they’re in a toy store, computer/electronics store or video arcade, they expect their parents to buy everything they point to, and if the adults refuse there’s hell to pay. Many parents, already frazzled from work, will cough up the money just to make the kids stop sulking, screaming and throwing those tantrums they know to be effective. The adults end up bribing their kids for a peaceful weekend.

Meanwhile the kids grow up thinking that all they have to do to get what they want is act up. Why not, when they’re rewarded for being bratty. The notion of saving up/working to get what you want never takes hold, and they don’t learn about the value of money. How do we know these things when we don’t have kids? Well we have seen them in action and used their tactics successfully.

How do you teach kids about money? Theoretically, by having a serious conversation about financial responsibility. Be strong. And let them read the Oishi Peso Smart series—books written and illustrated for the youngest readers, with lessons about money that they can appreciate.

Here’s one that’s especially relevant in these days of climate change: Making Paper Boats With Papa.

Click on images to enlarge.

Read the book:

Read the Oishi Peso Smart Series online.