Teaching Frugality to Kids

Part of raising kids is to be mindful of what you teach them by example. Even at a young age, kids know the difference between what you tell them and what you show them with your actions. While you certainly can tell them the things you want them to do, reinforcing it by example will go a long way. The great thing about this, though, is that you can teach them by both telling them what you want them to do, and by setting a good example with your actions.

Living a frugal lifestyle is a great value you can teach your children by your actions, and by interacting with them and doing things together as a family.

Lead by example-

If you are mindful of wasting things, not chasing after the latest gadgets, and practice the art of “wearing things out”, your kids will see the example you set by how you live. Teach them to take care of their things, and that toys and other items should not be considered “disposable”. As easy as kid’s toys break these days (I swear they were built sturdier when I was a kid!), teaching them to take care of their things will make them last longer.

Involve the whole family-

Have you ever noticed how some of the best experiences you can have with small children are ones that don’t cost much? Spending an afternoon playing with them in the backyard, going on a picnic, or taking them to the library to check out books and reading to them are things that are free or cheap, yet are immensely rewarding as well as enjoyable to them. Making family activities fun and frugal can show your kids that happiness comes from being with people you love and experiences, not from buying new toys or going to expensive places to “buy” a good time.

Explain to them the benefits of a frugal or simple lifestyle and why it is important-

Once they are a few years old, you can tell them why you do some of the things you do to save money or reduce waste, for example. Simple habits, such as taking care of your car by washing it, can be an example of you taking care of something to make it last longer. Explain to them that you cook at home because it is cheaper (and better for you) than going to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal. This also lets them know why you sometimes tell them “No” most of the time when they ask to go to McDonald’s every day. (It’s for the toy!)

While it will certainly take time to explain and teach your kids how and why you live a frugal lifestyle, probably over many years, it is a great value to teach them. Teaching them to take care of their things and be mindful of waste are good habits for anyone to develop, especially children.