Good habits acquired in childhood pay off throughout life. Saving is one of those things worth teaching children from an early age. It is said that money doesn’t bring happiness, but apparently having more doesn’t hurt… Having savings greatly improves quality of life – one can afford to develop passions or save for an unforgettable vacation. From an early age, children are bombarded with advertisements convincing them that they need things which are, in fact, unnecessary. How can we teach a child to save and not give in to every whim?

Explain the world to your child and set an example

In the first years of life, a child learns by imitating parents and adopts most behaviors and habits from home. If a child grows up in an environment where there is always a lack of money, where parents borrow and get into debt, they may see such a situation as normal. That is why it is important to pay attention to your expenses. If there is not enough money, it is worth considering whether we live “beyond our means” and whether we spend too much on unnecessary things. Of course, sometimes a small salary limits possibilities and causes financial difficulties, and in such cases one should look for ways to improve the situation. It is worth explaining to the child where money comes from – that to afford new and expensive things, one must work hard, and that work is a way to become financially independent. When paying bills, show the child that a salary must cover not only daily needs and desires but also essential expenses (bills, rent).

Explain how advertising works

In recent years, access to technology has become so widespread that almost every child has an account on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Online platforms and apps provide a vast space for brands to place their advertisements. Surrounded by ads and influencers constantly showing off and recommending new gadgets, children may feel a strong urge to own more and more. It is important to explain the difference between needs and wants. Not everything is essential for daily life.

Give your child pocket money

Allow your child to earn. Reward them for small household chores and help, e.g., cleaning, taking out the trash. The amounts don’t need to be large – even 1 złoty for small tasks helps a child understand the value of money, and a small reward can provide extra motivation. However, pay attention not to reward everything, otherwise the child may only help when expecting payment. Collecting coins allows the child to manage their own budget. Be consistent – don’t give in when the child asks for extra money after spending all their savings. To make saving more fun, get them a piggy bank – preferably a transparent one, so they can see how much they’ve saved.

Help your child choose a savings goal

Saving is easier when it’s done for a specific purpose. A trip, a new bike, a toy – when we know what we are saving for, motivation is stronger. Such an approach teaches a child that saving results in something pleasant, and by combining the useful with the enjoyable, it becomes easier to develop a habit that will be valuable in adulthood.