My husband and I have different views on our children’s education and have sometimes argued about how to approach them. But we’ve never hesitated so long in choosing a direction since our two little ones hit puberty (12 and 13.5 years old) and start wanting to enjoy some autonomy in money matters. That means they want us to give them more than the little pocket money we agreed on when we started school.
And there’s the whole question of the famous cell phone they both own now, but which my husband wants us to charge them a small amount each month for to make them aware of the costs involved, while I find it puts a responsibility on them that they don’t have to bear at such a young age.
Mom a little cicada but happy about it
According to Emmanuelle Gril, a money affairs specialist who works with the journal, “At the age of 5 to 6 we should start financial education with our young people.” First in a playful way, then gradually in a more formal way. This is important to ensure good financial health later. She adds: “…in fact, if we give them a significant amount of pocket money, we can even help them pay their cell phone bills and monthly payments so they understand what it’s worth.”