Hi there!   

The other day, my son confidently declared, “Mom, can you buy me this new gaming console? You’re rich, right?” Before I could even respond, my husband, in his best dad-voice, goes, “No, we’re rich. You have no money.” Classic!! 

It got me thinking—kids really do see money as this magical, endless thing. And let’s be honest, in a world of instant gratification, teaching them the actual value of money is harder than ever. Teaching kids delayed gratification will change their lives. 

Hi, I’m Lakshmi—your neighborhood laid-back parent. With the holidays around the corner, what better time to teach kids the importance of spending smartly?  

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Teach them to make money!! 💸

Teaching kids the value of money starts with helping them earn it. Instead of simply handing over cash, encourage them to take on small tasks—whether it’s helping with household chores, organizing a sibling’s toys, or even assisting in the kitchen.

It’s not about making them work for everything, but about showing them that money has value when it’s earned.  

13 chores for kids to earn money!   

Don’t control, but help em’ out 😀

When kids get all fired up about spending their money on the next shiny thing, it’s your cue to step in—not to stop them, but to guide them.Throw questions like, “Are you sure this is the one?” or “How long do you think you’ll actually use it?”   

But sometimes, the best lessons come from experience. Let them splurge on that toy they’ll only use once, and when the money’s gone, have a chat about what happened. 

It’s all about helping them understand the value of their choices and the opportunity cost of impulsive spending.  

7 everyday activities to teach your kids about money.  

Impulse purchases and how to handle them  

For those “I need it NOW” moments, introduce the 30-day rule: if they’re still dreaming about it a month later, it’s probably worth it.  

Big-ticket items? Steer them toward saving for something cooler. And for the small stuff? Let them go for it—it’s how they learn that not every shiny thing is worth their hard-earned cash. 

7 tips to stop impulse buying in kids! 

But my friends have it too… 💔

Peer pressure is real when every friend has the thing your kid suddenly needs. One trick? Team up with other parents—make a pact to skip the hype. 

At home, keep it simple: remind your kids they’ve got things their friends probably wish they had. It’s not about having everything—it’s about appreciating what they’ve got. Easy, breezy, and no drama! 😊

Learn more on how peer pressure affects your child’s decision-making.

Congratulations YOU just took a step in raising financially aware kids!

And it’s a wrap, but before you leave, don’t forget to check this out… ⬇️👀  

Inside the Laid-back Parent’s Internet History this week: 

Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents 📧

Money talks can be tricky, but the festive season is the perfect time to slip in a few finance lessons. Whether it’s a quick chat about saving or letting them learn the hard way (goodbye, allowance!), it’s all part of the journey. 

Happy holidays, everyone! 🩷

Catch you next time, 

Lakshmi (Chief of Chill Parenting)