The Money Glow

Teaching kids about money sounds great in theory, but in reality? It’s a lot like trying to grocery shop with a toddler on a sugar high. That said, budgeting with my child has gone from a chaotic mess to something we actually look forward to — and here’s how I (mostly) keep my sanity intact.

Step 1: Make It a Game, Not a Lecture

Kids don’t want a TED Talk on financial literacy. What worked for us? Turning budgeting into a game.

We created a simple “Save, Spend, Share” jar system using mason jars and stickers. My kid gets a small weekly allowance (just a few bucks) and we sit down together every Sunday to divide it:

• Save for bigger goals (like a new Lego set)
• Spend for little joys (chocolate, a small squash or a trip to the vending machine)
• Share for donations or gifts

It turns budgeting into a choice rather than a chore.

Step 2: Let Them Blow Their Money (Within Reason)

This was hard at first. I wanted to jump in when my child insisted on spending $4 on sparkly slime that I knew would dry out in 10 minutes.

But I stayed quiet.

Letting kids make small “oops” purchases helps them learn fast — no lectures required. And when the slime hardened overnight? My child looked at me and said, “I should’ve saved for the plushie instead.”

Lesson learned. And I didn’t even have to raise my voice.

Step 3: Set a Family Budget Together

Every month, we do a “mini family finance meeting” — but keep it light. I show them how we plan for things like groceries, takeout nights, or saving up for a family trip.

We even created a kid-friendly visual tracker (hello, colorful paper chains!) to count down our savings progress.

It helps my child feel like part of the team, and it makes abstract concepts real: “If we save $10 each week, in two months we can go to the aquarium.”

Step 4: Use Tech (But Not Too Much)

We use a simple kids’ budgeting app that lets them “check their balance” like a grown-up. My child loves seeing the numbers change after earning or spending.

But we keep screen time short — real-life handling of money (even play money!) is still the most powerful teacher.

Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it’s saving for a $10 toy or choosing not to buy something impulsive, I make a big deal out of good choices.

A high five, a sticker on the calendar, or just saying “I’m proud of you for thinking about that” goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Is it messy sometimes? Absolutely. We still have tantrums in the toy aisle and debates over why we can’t buy another Minecraft toy today. But my kid is starting to understand the value of money — and how to make it work for them.

So no, I haven’t mastered parenting. But budgeting with my child? I’m finally not losing my mind doing it.

And that’s a win.