Helping Children Understand The Value of a Dollar
Posted on 12.28.06 at 2:25 pm
I always find it interesting when the subject of money comes up in conversation with my 4 year old. The other day we were out shopping for Christmas presents. While in the store my son started “shopping” for himself. Even though he knew that gifts from Santa would be arriving shortly, he wanted more. I of course told him no and explained to him that Santa would be coming and that we were not going to buy any new toys today. He pressed further and I explained to him that toys cost money and then proceeded to ask him if he had any. He was puzzled. He proceeded to explain to me that we could just drive to the bank and that the machine would give us the money for the toys.
If you are looking for a fun, educational way to help your little one (ages 4-8) understand the value of a dollar I recommend picking up a copy of Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday. (You can find it on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Used-Rich-Last-Sunday/dp/0689711999)
Book Description from Amazon.com: Last Sunday, Alexander’s grandparents gave him a dollar — and he was rich. There were so many things that he could do with all of that money! He could buy as much gum as he wanted, or even a walkie-talkie, if he saved enough. But somehow the money began to disappear… Readers of all ages will be delighted by this attractive new edition of Judith Viorst’s beloved picture book.
Note: I wanted to add that my husband has already started helping my son understand money and where it comes from. This Christmas he took my son to Coinstar to cash in his piggy bank, which he used to buy presents for myself, his dad and his little brother. He was very proud and felt good that he had done it with his own money.
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I'm Shannan. I'm a Mom, wife, career gal & technology geek from Cincinnati, Ohio. The lone woman in a house full of men, I blog about life in Cincinnati, my family and things of interest to me as a wife, mother, woman and tech junkie. 
