We started a positive relationship with our children and money a few months ago. I say positive relationship because although money is neutral, a person can create positive and/or negative feelings towards money (depending upon their situation) and how they view the concept. I want our children to feel good about “earning” their money and what it takes to earn money, so we started using money as a reward for going potty. (And I’m not talking about pee pee folks!)
Geez, when did I start calling the bathroom a potty? (Yes, this is real parenthood!)
My eldest was having a hard time going number 2 so we created this chart to give him something positive to look forward to. Every time he successfully completed this action, he was given a play dollar. After five play dollars, we took him to a store (The Dollar Store) to pick out whatever toy item he choose. I exchanged his play dollars, for real dollars and told him to pick out a toy that was up to $5.00. This brought me to a whole new concept of understanding prices and how our play store came about.
While we are staying home sick this week, I decided some role playing and learning was a must. So I grabbed two tubs of toys and placed a blanket on top for a table. Then created some fake sales tags and grabbed the play money and register.
It only took me five minutes to cut out tags, write prices and tape them to some toys. I asked the kids to pick out what toys they wanted for sale…
Then, we had the BIG GRAND OPENING!
They were each given $5.00. One person was the cashier and one person the customer. One child would point or ask for an object and I said, “how much does that cost?” They would shout the number written on the tag. Then the customer counted the correct amount and handed it to the cashier. The cashier placed the item in a shopping bag…they were almost professionals!
Even the two year old can correctly count out her money!
They played store for an hour.
Learning and loving math. They love to count and this Mama, loves that.
If there were two toys they wanted, we put the money with each one. Meaning one for $2 and then one for $3. I would say, “That would be five dollars!” And then count the total together. Just so they start to understand the concept of addition.
And if you are reading this thinking I’m “horrible mama” or that I “spoil” my kids – my job is done. My child is potty trained and it is was what worked for him. Do what works for you. 🙂 In the meantime, have fun with your imagination and play! play! play! with your kiddos!