If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked by a parent what to tell your kids about money, I'd be a millionaire. There are many different aspects of money management you can & should tell your children about. Here I will share with you what I believe are seven of the most important principles
1. Money can be exchanged for goods or services. This is one of the first few lessons you should teach your child once they are old enough to understand ? usually around the age of 3 years. Next time you go down to the corner store to buy one or two items, let your child hand the money to the cashier. By doing so, they will gain a greater appreciation of the concept of being able to exchange money for things you want or need.
2. One should be careful with money. Some people I know, seem to think that any coins with a value under 50 cents are just too small to be bothered using, and so when cleaning out their loose change from around the house will simply throw these smaller coins in the bin. What a waste! Encourage your child to be careful with all denominations of money, and show them how those small coins can add up, by starting a family small coins box. Maybe you could use the money to fund small family outings (a trip to the shop to get ice creams).
3. Money has to be earned. There are many people in the world these days that don't seem to have ever learned this lesson. They sit around home and expect handouts so they can live, or turn to a life of crime to fund their existence. Be careful not to give your child money every time he or she asks, without expecting anything in return i.e. completion of household chores.
4. Encourage one-third savings, one-third donations, one-third spending. The exact proportions in which your child divides their money are up to each individual family to decide, based on their beliefs and the needs of the child. This can quite easily be achieved by providing them with 3 piggy banks or moneyboxes ? one for spending, one for saving & one for donating.
5. Avoid borrowing money wherever possible. It is always much harder to repay money that has been borrowed, than to save your money. Some loans, such as home loans, tend to be unavoidable though. A good rule of thumb is if you don't have the cash to buy it, you can't afford it!
6. Money isn't your best friend so don't let it control your life. Quite simply, try not to become so over committed with your finances, that you are forced to work 60 to 70 hours a week to continue the lifestyle. If you do, then you are letting the money control your life. You don't usually need the fancy car (and car loan) or overseas holiday (and personal loan). All these things are nice, but only if you can easily afford them!
7. Show them how to budget & live within their means This is one of the most important skills that your child must know, that so many people don't seem to know how to do. Recent surveys have shown, that many people are spending 10% to 20% above what they earn. They are earning enough money to fund their lifestyle, but they simply aren't budgeting it, and so are wasting large amounts of money each week.
With these seven lessons under their belt, they will be off to a great start, but there are many more money skills that your child will benefit enormously from learning. To learn more, visit the Kids Money Tips web site.
Children must always be the priority. They have to be provided for. They have to have appropriate child care. Once this is attended to, only then can you consider beginning to date again. Your in-laws or parents would more than likely love babysitting, but if that isn't an option, pay for a babysitter.
I asked myself several questions when I began to date again that might be of help to you as they were to me. Are you dating to find the kids a new mom? Or are you dating because you want sexual gratification? Or is loneliness motivating you to date? Could the reason be that you think you need someone with more income than you to fill in the gaps? Whatever your reasons are, please get clear and honest about them. When the time is right, share them honestly with your new date.
What kind of qualities or similar interests are you looking for in someone new to date? It's wise to make a list of them, because something that simple can help attract the right person into your life and you are worth the time it takes to create this list.
Your children don't need to hear about each casual date. They don't have the maturity to process this information. They are still smarting from the absence of the other parent they love and want there full time. So keep your dating private until you have found the right one and then introduce the idea slowly.
How should you find someone? Should you go to bars? Should you go dancing? Should you use online personals? We all have personal preferences. Whatever you do, be sure someone's got your back at each step of the way. Be very aware of the repercussions of whatever steps you take here because your main responsibility remains your children. Don't do anything that could jeopardize them, like driving home under the influence or having sex without protection.
Did you learn anything about the role you played in your divorce? If you didn't, you will take those same mistakes into every new relationship with the same results: a divorce. It's wise to learn your lessons first and then take a new you out dating.
How will you recognize flag waving neon signs that a person is not right for you? Sit down with your best friend and make a list of the things to look for before you put yourself out there again. I've known some women who appear to be "alone" but who are really using a girlfriend and eye signals to determine if someone is okay or not. It's safer to decide up front than to have remorse to live with.
Dating after you're divorced from the perspective that your children come first can be a challenge, but I think you're up for the task. If this article didn't quite sing to you, look up dating divorce on Google. There's tons more. I wish you success and never a second divorce.
Both Rachel Incoll & Len Stauffenger are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rachel Incoll has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Family Concerns and Kids and Teens. Rachel Incoll is the author of . She has helped show thousands of parents how they can teach their children how to mana. Rachel Incoll's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Len Stauffenger has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bathroom Home Improvement, After Divorce and Health. In his book "Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents," Len Stauffenger shares his simple wisdom gleaned from his divorce with his daughters and with you. Len is a Success Coach and an Attorney. You can purchase Len's book and it's accompanying workbo. Len Stauffenger's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.