When I became a mom, I thought teaching my kids about money would be as simple as saying: “Anak, huwag gastusin lahat!” 😅 But of course, it wasn’t that easy.
Kids see money as something magical — insert coins in a vending machine and out comes a snack, swipe a card and tadaa, new toy! I realized if I didn’t step in early, they’d grow up thinking money was endless.
So here’s what I did (and what I learned along the way):
1. Start With the Basics
I explained that money doesn’t just “appear.” Mommy and Daddy work to earn it. Simple lang, but it helped them understand that when we spend, it’s actually an exchange of effort and time.
Lesson for me: Kids don’t need complicated explanations — they need honesty in small doses.
2. Allowance = Practice Money
I started giving them a small weekly allowance. Not too big, not too small, just enough to make choices. Do they spend on candy now, or save for something bigger later?
Lesson for me: Sometimes you have to let them “fail.” Buying something impulsively and regretting it later is part of the learning process.
3. Saving Together
We set up a “Family Piggy Bank.” Whenever they received coins, they’d drop some in their own jar and some in the family jar. Over time, they saw how even small coins add up.
Lesson for me: Saving feels more rewarding when done together — it builds teamwork, not just good habits.
4. Talk About Wants vs. Needs
We made it a game. Whenever they asked for something, I’d ask: “Want ba ito, or Need?” And they’d answer. Sometimes nakakatuwa kasi mali ang sagot (“Need po ang ice cream, Mommy!” 😂), but at least they were learning.
Lesson for me: Even adults confuse wants vs. needs sometimes. Teaching it to kids reminded me to practice it myself.
The Big Takeaway:
Teaching kids about money isn’t about numbers—it’s about values: patience, discipline, and gratitude. And funny enough, habang tinuturuan ko sila, I ended up re-learning lessons for myself too. ❤️
