I have worked with young people for nearly two decades and raised 12 therapeutic foster care children, so believe me when I say. . . I have been there, done that and wrote a book to tell about it. LOL!
Look, if you spend more than one-hour a year with a child, this article is for you!
Money Smarts is what young people need for success, so if not learned from YOU, then WHO?
Entering the world of school is a child’s first real introduction to life outside of his or her home. Sure they visit friends and family, but there is nothing like having a building filled with strange adults, new rules and bad food to give any child a dose of reality.
Now there are schedules, rules, grades, parent conferences, report cards, and homework. Then you throw in the extra-curricular activities after school and you must be wondering when they would have the time or energy to develop money smarts.
Well I have some good news.
Some learning opportunities will be natural and logical, while others will be created by you to serve a purpose.
But EVERY moment is a teachable one; you just have to keep your eyes open.
For now I leave you with a fun activity to share with the elementary age children in your group.
Money Trade
To play this game you’ll need a dice and 10 of each coin (penny, nickel, dime and quarter). The object of the game is to be the first player with 25 cents saved.
Take turns rolling the dice. Each player gets the amount of pennies shown on the die. As each player accumulates 5 pennies or more, the 5 pennies are traded in for a nickel and so on.
The children will quickly understand that a dime is worth 10 pennies, that a nickel is worth five, and that less coins doesn’t necessarily mean less money.
Let the children keep the money they win to add to their piggy bank savings.
About Dr. Daniels
Dr. Daniels believes that given the right space, tools, and training; ALL youth can succeed, and as founder of the International Movement To Empower More Youth, her mission is to empower youth for financial, business and leadership success so they can create the life they want to live.
Whether you are a young person, a parent or from a youth-serving program, visit http://EmpowerMoreYouth.com and get in where you fit in!
The Child Care Business Owner Institute 
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