A Penny for Your Thoughts

Curly and I have been talking about the letter "M" this week. We made muffins, tested magnets and talked about money in all its magnificent glory.

Here's his new bank that we made using an empty yogurt container and the coin labels I give to my first graders. He got to put in a nickel for helping me feed the dogs. (I accidentally typed "gods" at first. I hope he'd get more than a nickel for feeding the gods.)

As a teacher I always suggested to parents that they not forget to do the simple things like balancing their checkbook or paying for groceries with cash in front of their kids. All our little bankers see nowadays is how we flash this card-thingy and we get to take something home in return. They're not privy to the statements, the bills or the fretting about how to make ends meet.

When you go to the store with your child or when you're pumping gas, make them a part of the experience. Talk about the cost of items, debate whether the brand name is worth the difference, watch the numbers scroll as the tank fills up. Be sure to follow-up and let them see you paying your bills, either online or on paper. Don't assume that because they see money they know money.

Check out this link from BabyCenter that talks about ways to extend those teachable moments.