Growing healthy attitudes about money

By Suzzanne Bull

In many families, kids rule the roost when it comes to at least some household spending. A study by the Center for a New American Dream found that a typical school-aged child will nag her parents nine times to get something parents had previously refused to purchase. What's worse is that 12- and 13-year-olds nag up to 50 times after their parents have said no.

Growing rates of personal debt and bankruptcy show that an increasing number of Americans are unable to successfully manage their personal finances. While the majority of parents feel that kids should learn about finances from them, most feel that they are not good role models when it comes to saving and spending.

Part of the problem is that kids today are bombarded with consumer marketing messages. At the same time, they don't get enough information about the limits of their parents' financial resources or guidance on how to make wise spending choices. Schools usually don't fill the void, either because there isn't enough time to teach money management or because they don't see it as their role.

Financial literacy is a serious issue for families, especially in uncertain economic times, and has a direct effect on whether children grow into responsible adults. Like physical health, "economic health" affects the stability and vitality of our communities.

To address the problem, the YMCA and WaMu have established a financial education program called Money Strong Families. Workshops at the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA provide families with reliable and practical information, tools and hands-on demonstrations to help them manage the increasingly complex financial details of their lives. The program also teaches parents how to talk to their children about money, enabling the whole family to make better financial decisions.

Here are some ways that families can start exploring financial literacy at home.

- Teach your kids about money by playing games. Take a pair of dice and a handful of coins. Have your child roll the dice and "earn" the amount of pennies shown on the dice. Repeat this with every player. As each person gets five pennies, replace them with a nickel. Replace 10 pennies with a dime, and so on. The first player to get 50 cents wins. When your child feels comfortable counting coins, try out a real-life example. Let your child hand over payment for your purchase and let them count the change. Older children can learn about money through games like Monopoly.

- Have a family discussion about the difference between "needs" and "wants." Review your family's budget with your children to help them understand the real costs of rent/mortgages, groceries, electricity and other essential household expenses. Discuss as a family how much money to set aside for "wants" or create a family "fun jar" to save for special outings or experiences.

- Help your children develop a savings plan for something they want. Create the plan together for how to set aside money each week from allowances or chores. Have your children draw a picture of a "want" and post it prominently as a reminder. Reward them with praise for successfully saving.

- Involve your children in making decisions about philanthropic giving. Ask them what organizations or causes they want the family to contribute to, either by making a financial contribution or by volunteering together. Have a discussion about why your family values giving back to the community.

For more ideas on financial literacy or information about upcoming Money Strong Families workshops at the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA, call 935-6000.

Suzzanne Bull is senior director of membership, health and wellness at the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA. For more information on programs at the YMCA, visit www.westseattleymca.org.