How Do We Talk to Kids About Money?

 

How to Explain to Your Kids Where Money Comes From

So, how do we make money?

Your child will ask that question at some point, and when they do, it's more than simply a chance to talk about money. It's a chance to instill ideals that might affect how kids see money, employment, and their own worth for the rest of their lives.

I was poor when I was a kid. But that didn't stop me from getting to where I am now. My parents never kept quiet about money since it was hard for me to grow up. How to get it and how to use it. We grew up chasing after our next meal, therefore I need to assist them sell things like candy at school. When I return home, I have to assist deliver the meal orders that have been cooked to our neighbors. They talked a lot about making a budget, saving for the future, and working so that we may keep the money we make. 

Those early talks made me realize that financial knowledge isn't only for adults; it's something we teach our kids. This is our family story every day, when everyone else is having fun and living life like it's dull. We took it seriously as kids.

As a parent of an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old, I now get the same interesting inquiries from my two boys. And sometimes... their queries are so keen that they make me wonder why we work and if I can even catch up with what you're doing when I get older. That's a big deal. So I'm going to tell you about some of the classic things that have happened to me with my oldest child.

That One Time at the National Bookstore

We went to National Bookstore as a family a few months back. My oldest kid started choosing things out, and every new pen, sticker, and notepad made his eyes light up. He enjoys reading, so there he goes. "Papa, can you get this for me?" He inquired with optimism in his voice. 

I raised my eyebrows and said, "Do you have a budget?"
He stopped and said, "No, but you have a budget." Aha!
I couldn't say anything. I chuckled awkwardly, and my wife simply stared at me, half-smiling and half-judging me. I tried to ignore him at first, but in the end, I purchased him the things because who could say no?

But that moment made it clear: Our kids are paying attention. They are learning. Life teaches us things even when we don't mean to. They take our reaction seriously. So we went home and had a heart-to-heart talk that he will always remember. He enjoyed the book, of course, and finished it. But we should teach our kids about money through this experience.

How to Respond to "Where Does Money Come From?"

Keep it simple for toddlers and younger kids.
You might say:
"Money comes from my job."
"When Papa goes to work, it helps us pay for what we need."
"And we also use it to bless others, especially our family's needs."
We also use this money to send missionaries to tell others who haven't met Jesus about him.

You can eventually talk about things like saving, budgeting, and waiting for what you want.
💡 Pro Tip: Change how you explain things according on your child's age, but keep the tone the same: money is a tool, not a trophy.

The Financial Bucket Comparison
Picture a bucket. You put money in the bucket when you work hard. But the bucket gets empty every time we buy food, water, rent, or school supplies. So we need to put more labor and smart spending back into it.
Show your kids that money doesn't just show up; it comes from hard work and responsibility. Also, part of that work is learning how to preserve, distribute, and stretch it.

The Tan-Chi Mendoza Family: A Family I Look Up To

The Tan-Chi Mendoza family is one that I admire. They want their kids to learn not just how to handle money, but also how to see money through the eyes of religion and stewardship.

Their example shows me how important it is to have a mentor. Learn from a family that lives by biblical financial principles. And even better, be that family for other people.

"Dad, Are We Rich or Poor?"
"Are we rich?" is one of the hardest things a kid can ask.
But what they actually want to know is, "Am I good enough?" or "Do we fit in?"
This is your chance to say:
"We may not have everything, but we have what we need."
"We have a lot of love, faith, and family."
"We trust God, work hard, and live within our means."
They'll remember what you said long after they forget about the thing they wanted.

Making Your Self-Worth More Than Money

This is also a great chance to dig deeper, because money should never be what makes us who we are.

Tell your kids:
✅Their value isn't based on what they own.

✅Experiences, affection, and time spent together are worth more than electronics.

They are already plenty since their family and God love them so much.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be." – Matthew 6:21
Teach your kids that the most important things in life aren't gifts or titles, but honesty, trust, and relationships.

What They Leave Behind as a Legacy

Whatever you teach children now about money, being kind, being happy, and feeling good about themselves will stay with them as they grow up.
They could forget the specifics of your income, but they'll never forget how safe, cherished, and secure you made them feel.

They'll remember the teachings more than the lectures, the values more than the things they own, and the memories more than the things they own.

A Soft Challenge

You don't start teaching your kids how to be financially smart, emotionally stable, and spiritually anchored at a bank. It starts at home. With you. It starts with your desire to be a good parent to the next generation.

So don't freak out the next time your kid wonders where money comes from. Don't think too much. Just say what you mean.

And don't forget that you're not merely answering a question.
You are making the future. It's possible that your child will be the best financial advisor ever.

Let's keep in touch

I'd love to hear from you if this post has helped you or made you think.
💬 Please share your own parenting tale or query in the comments below.

🔗 Send this blog to another parent; it could be just what they need today.

📩 Please email me personally at papajackph@gmail.com. I would love to walk with you on this road of financial wisdom and godly parenting.

Let's teach the future generation how to have morals, a vision, and faith.

– Jack Marbida, husband. Father. Money Coach. Follower of Jesus.