Parenting, April 2007
Raise a Money-Smart Kid
5 simple things you can start teaching your child today
by Teri Cettina
My older daughter, Sophie, and I have a pretty good routine going at the mall. She understands that most stores are like museums: She can "ooh" and "ahh" at stuff, but she usually can't take it home.
On one particular day recently, though, Sophie's willpower was at a low point. She really wanted a stuffed animal, a favorite character from a movie. After several minutes of listening to her pleas, I finally said I didn't have the money. "Okay, Mom," she said thoughtfully. "Then could you just pay for it with that silver card in your wallet?"
Now, I'm pretty good at managing our family's money; in fact, using Quicken financial software is almost a hobby for me. But during that moment, I realized I'd missed a step in Sophie's money education. All the counting-penny games and toy cash registers in the world are no match for what we parents do with and say about money in the real world. That's how kids learn, of course: By watching us, day in and day out. It's so easy, in our busy lives, to overlook some of the crucial — yet simple — ways to teach kids about money. Five that you can start now...
Read the article in Parenting Magazine
Parenting, April 2007
From Baby to Big Kid
When your child's ready to move on from sippy cups, naps, and more
by Teri Cettina
What's out: Precutting every bite
What's in: Letting 'em dig in
Ready, or not? When she can hold a crayon and exert enough pressure to mark paper, your toddler's fine motor skills are developed enough for her to try using silverware. And while choking is still a hazard, your child will be better at chewing by around 2.
Here we go! It's always smart to cut large, hard, or stringy foods first, but let your child use her hands whenever possible. Over time, encourage her to spoon up her own cereal and cut soft food, like pancakes, with a lightweight plastic knife while you supervise.
Don't be surprised if your child relishes her food more — and tries new things — when she can eat all by herself, with her hands. Of course, watch that she doesn't bite off more than she can chew — literally. And consider taking CPR/choking safety classes, to be safe...
Read the article in Parenting Magazine
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