Tag Archives: teenagers

Money! Money! Money! Teaching Kids All About It!

Kids-and-Money

The subject of money, finances, budgeting and of course how and when to spend “it,” can be exhausting, and as a parent, it’s important to think about teaching your children smart money habits that will no doubt carry over into their adulthood. Teenagers may think they have their whole lifetime to learn how to deal with their finances, but learning smart money management early can mean avoiding costly mistakes later. And, just like we start adding some coin to the piggy bank when they are first born, it’s never too early to find ways to teach a “mini-me” how to handle money and finances responsibly.

Right now one of the simplest things I do with my 2 year old toddler is working on counting. He’s too young to understand how we “pay” for things, but he is always quick to want to grab and use my credit card or cash and hand it to the cashier at the store! At any rate, I do let him observe and do his part to help. Now going back to counting, I figure the sooner he learns to count it (money) all up, the sooner I can get to the lessons about subtraction!!! LOL!

It’s a subject we addressed on my show the other day and I interviewed Ted Beck, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education. He offered some advice for parent and teens on the subject of money and the best way to go about how to teach children the skills and the right attitude about dealing with money.  Press play to watch the interview and see what he had to say…

 

Haute Mom: Shawanda Steffen

shooName: Shawanda Steffen
Children & Ages: Bobby 17, Bryana 16, Harlow 1 (23 months) and 1 year old  fraternal twins Kendall and Khloe
Hometown/Current Location: I currently live in Phoenix, AZ
Quick Bio: Currently married with 5 children and a stay at home mom for a little more than 2 years. I have a background in human resources and this is my first time as a stay at home mom. I have worked everyday since I was 16 years of age and this stay at home gig is new to me! While I am blessed we can financially afford to have me staying at home, I miss working….sometimes. I know some mothers might say why would you ever miss working, but everyone is different. I have a page on Facebook “Seriously Shawanda” find me and like my page. It’s just some adventures as a stay at home mom through my comedic eyes!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeriouslyShawanda

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Being a former AZ Cardinals Cheerleader, naturally my girls love to dance! When I have a house full of crabby babies (and after making sure all of their needs are taking care of course), I put on some music and all the girls dance. My living room sorta looks like a scene from Charlie Brown when all the characters are dancing doing their own thang.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Since I technically have 3 one year olds. It’s important to to maintain a schedule especially at nap time. But for some reason I think they take turns breaking the routine. Which then cuts into my “break time,” but once I see their cute lil smile all is forgiven <3

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: Try to incorporate your little one’s into your routine. We have a radio flyer wagon with seat belts. We go walking around the neighborhood as a family. My husband and I take turns pulling the girls. The wagon works your arms, legs and you get a little cardio in there as well. The girls also love it!

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: Being patient. I have two older kids that I had when I was a very young adult. I remember my patience wasn’t as good then as it is now. Just realizing babies can’t talk and they can only communicate by crying and acting out. I find I have a lot of patience in dealing with all 3 little girls. Also the schedule works in this scenario as well, but sometimes you just don’t know what they want and have to let them have their moment!

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