I’ve talked a lot about teaching kids personal finance, and it’s a topic that I’m really passionate about. Last week, I saw something that reminded me how important it is to always think about what your kids are learning, and what you are really teaching them.
My kids go to an enrichment center for classes, and they accrue points that can be used in the “store”. Points are generally accrued for attending classes, and since this week was the last week of class, many of the kids were “spending” their points.
For the record, I LOVE this idea. It’s a great way to show kids how money can be spent, and if they save their points, they can get something nicer. So, while I was waiting for my kids to come out of the store, I was watching all of the kids come out with their loot.
Then I saw a parent drop off her kids. She told the manager that her daughter told her that she was getting a Zhu Zhu pet for the last day of class. She asked the manager if the teacher was giving them to all of the kids. The manager responded that the pets were available in the store, but that they “cost” quite a few points. She had to check, but didn’t think the girl had enough points.
“Just take care of it”, the mom said with a wave of her arm.
Yes, the center is expensive. Yes, we don’t want to disappoint our kids. But, just think about the message this sends… It’s not a good one.
