Money talks and savings

When we left NC my parents gave Lathen and Kieralee a dollar each and were told they could use the money to get a toy or something when they got back to Texas. We took this opportunity to teach the kids more about money and how much things really cost. They are always saying, "Can I have that" or "Let's get this" not realizing what it might do to our budget. So we went to the store and each time the kids asked about this toy or that we would say, "You have a dollar, that cost x-amount of dollars. You don't have enough yet." The kids left with their dollars.

At home we talked about money. We talked about how it cost money to have a house, to have lights, clothes, food, etc, etc. Then we talked about how Daddy makes money for our family and that's why he goes to work everyday. We talked about saving money and how important that is. Then we told them that they could start earning money for doing chores and such around the house. Then it was time to have the tithing lesson. I told Lathen that when we earn money we pay 10% to the Lord. We went over some examples, one dollar means you give ten cents to the Lord etc. Then as if cued to ask Lathen says, "Can I buy a toy first and then pay tithing later?" Ah, five years old and already thinking things through. "No Lathen, we always pay the Lord first that way he can bless us."

We made money jars for the kids. This has made them super excited about saving money. They often coming running to me when they find change somewhere in the house so they can put it in their "banks."