Wondering when you can start teaching your kids about money? Older toddlers and preschoolers are starting to learn numbers, counting, and basic math. As such, it’s a great time to introduce basics money concepts. What are simple money lessons you can teach to preschoolers? Here are ten easy ideas.
10 Money Lesson Ideas for Preschoolers
With kids this young, I like the idea of using simple, every day activities to foster basic skills. Remember – the more visual, hands-on, and concrete you make it, the better.
- Start with basic counting and math.
- Talk about how we buy things with money. Use everyday experiences (ex: at the store) to show how you buy things with money.
- Identify items that cost money.
- Play store or restaurant. Our 2-year old loves anything imaginary, and loves playing “go to school,” “restaurant,” and “go to work.”
- Count and trace coins.
- Play matching games with bills and coins.
- Talk about how we work for money.
- Start to teach about needs vs. wants. (Ask, do you need this? Or, do you want this?)
- Start to teach delayed gratification. (Ex: Don’t buy everything they ask for – explain we need to save for it, or wait for a birthday or Christmas)
- Start age-appropriate chores.
For a full list of money lessons by age, see: HOW TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY – IDEAS FOR EVERY AGE
love that tip ID items that cost no money. That is awesome
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I love these ideas! Certaintly going to start these with my tots!
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Another conversation once your kid has basic number sense is “This is more than that,” or “Why we buy THIS.” I started showing my kid how to substitute a cheaper item and look for better value when she was 4 and 2 years later she helps me spot the bargains.
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Awesome post! I need to start playing store with my 3 year old, he would love that! He recently said to me “I need a purse money. I need all the monies so I can go to the store to buy all the things.” lol -Erin at http://www.stayathomeyogi.com
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