I used to love listening to my kids play. Hovering just at the bottom of the stairs, I eavesdropped as they discussed the mission behind super-highways of orange Hot Wheels track, the evil-intentions of Polly Pockets invading ancient Lego cities, and the never-ending set of capture-the-flag set of rules. One afternoon right before school started, I heard the familiar beep of the toy cash-register keys and the loud DING as the drawer opened revealing money and coins. My son, Thomas, was in the line of a checkout lady with a bad attitude, otherwise known as his sister, Julia. Again and again, he would place items in front of her that she would key into the register and then aggressively swipe the item off the counter and shout, “No!” When I could no longer stand the suspense, I poked my head around the corner and said, “What are you guys playing?” To which they both replied, “TOO EXPENSIVE!” That game will forever go down in the Patton family history as the tipping point in the financial education of my children.

How do we teach our children about money while they are bombarded with messages and stereotypes about what it means to be rich, poor, stingy, generous, needy, disciplined, careless, and careful? The importance of money in our lives is a concept that is deeply personal and plays out publicly based on what we spend money on. And believe me, they are watching. This creates the perfect environment for regular, teachable moments about how much things cost, what choices were made to make this purchase possible, and where money comes from.

Need a place to start? I created a list of age-appropriate back-to-school financial education activities to help you think about how to begin talking to your children about money. Many of the activities that focus on school supplies could also be used for sports equipment, supplies required for extra-curricular activities, clothing, class trips, or fundraising.  I invite you to choose one or more and start making it a regular part of your family discussions before things get “TOO EXPENSIVE!”

Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)

• School Supply Sorting: Parents can help children sort school supplies into "needs" (e.g., pencils, notebooks) and "wants" (e.g., glitter pens, stickers). Discuss why certain items are necessary for school and others are just for fun.

• Lunchbox Choices: Offer children options for their lunchbox items within a budget. For example, if they choose a more expensive snack, they might have to forgo another item. This introduces basic budgeting concepts.

1st Grade (Ages 6-7)

• Backpack Budgeting: Give children a small budget and let them "shop" for school supplies from a list. They must choose items that fit within the budget, teaching them the value of money and decision-making.

• Price Tag Matching: Use price tags on various school supplies at home and have children match the item with its cost, helping them understand that different items have different prices.

2nd Grade (Ages 7-8)

• School Shopping Trip: Take children on a shopping trip for school supplies with a predetermined budget. Allow them to make choices and discuss the trade-offs between different options.

• Needs vs. Wants Journal: Have children create a journal where they list items they want and items they need for school. Discuss the difference between the two categories and the importance of prioritizing needs.

3rd Grade (Ages 8-9)

• School Supply Price Comparison: Show children how to compare prices for the same school supplies at different stores or online. This activity can teach them about smart shopping and saving money.

• Lunch Money Management: Give children a weekly lunch money allowance and have them plan their meals. They can decide whether to save some of the money or spend it all, introducing concepts of saving and spending wisely.

4th Grade (Ages 9-10)

• School Supply Budgeting Challenge: Provide a list of required school supplies and a fixed budget. Challenge children to find the best deals and stay within the budget while getting everything they need.

• Extracurricular Costs: Discuss the costs associated with joining a school club or team (e.g., uniforms, equipment). Have children research how much it would cost to participate in a sport or club they are interested in and explore ways to cover those costs.

5th Grade (Ages 10-11)

• School Shopping Planner: Have children create a shopping plan for back-to-school items, including estimated costs. They can then compare their estimates to actual prices, learning about planning and budgeting.

• Allowance for School Expenses: If children receive an allowance, assign part of it to cover specific school-related expenses (e.g., school trips, snacks). This teaches financial responsibility and prioritization.

6th Grade (Ages 11-12)

• School Trip Budgeting: If a school trip is planned, have children help create a budget for the trip, including transportation, food, and souvenirs. They can learn about the importance of planning and managing money.

• Secondhand Shopping: Discuss the option of buying secondhand school supplies or clothes. Have children compare the costs of new versus secondhand items, highlighting the value of saving money and reducing waste.

7th Grade (Ages 12-13)

• Team Sports Budget: If children are interested in joining a sports team, have them research the costs involved (e.g., fees, equipment) and create a budget. They can explore ways to earn or save money to cover these costs.

• School Lunch Planning: Give children a budget for their weekly school lunches and have them plan a menu. They can learn about balancing costs with nutritional needs and preferences.

8th Grade (Ages 13-14)

• School Project Budgeting: When a school project requires materials, have children create a budget for the project. They can learn about the cost of materials and how to allocate funds wisely.

• Public vs. Private Transportation: Discuss the costs of different transportation options for getting to school (e.g., public transport, carpooling, biking). Have children research and compare the costs, considering factors like distance and frequency of use.

9th Grade (Ages 14-15)

• Part-Time Job Earnings: If children are interested in earning money through a part-time job or chores, have them allocate a portion of their earnings to school-related expenses (e.g., supplies, activities). This teaches financial independence.

• School Event Budget: For school events like dances or sports games, have children create a budget for tickets, outfits, and other expenses. They can learn about prioritizing spending and managing social costs.

10th Grade (Ages 15-16)

• Textbook Shopping: Have children research the costs of new versus used textbooks or digital versions for school. They can explore ways to save money and make informed purchasing decisions.

• School Activity Fund: Encourage children to set up a fund for school activities (e.g., clubs, sports). They can manage this fund, deciding how much to contribute regularly and how to spend it.

11th Grade (Ages 16-17)

• College Prep Budgeting: If college is on the horizon, have children research the costs associated with college applications, tests (e.g., SAT/ACT), and campus visits. They can create a budget and explore ways to save or earn money for these expenses.

• Carpooling Costs: If children drive or are driven to school, have them calculate the costs of gas, maintenance, and carpooling with friends. They can learn about sharing costs and managing transportation expenses.

12th Grade (Ages 17-18)

• Senior Year Expenses: Senior year often comes with extra costs (e.g., prom, graduation fees). Have children create a budget for these events and plan how to cover the costs, emphasizing financial planning and prioritization.

• College Financial Planning: As they prepare for college, have children research the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses. They can explore financial aid options, scholarships, and budgeting for their first year of college, fostering financial independence.