Dear Editor,

Parents, guardians, or educators should task themselves with the responsibility of ensuring that children solidify a good arithmetic grasp of money. I say “arithmetic” because teaching them economics or monetary policies, for example, would be too advanced. Nevertheless, children are intelligent enough to comprehend monetary mathematics. They need to develop a relationship and an understanding of money at an early age (perhaps around age 10) as a means of preparing them to become mature, financially wise adults.

I do, however, caution that greed should not be institutionalised in their minds. Children need to understand the importance of saving money, spending sensibly, and “doing without”. The truth is that there are parents and guardians who are not well off financially and they do not wish for their child or children to fall into the same position. I think that early money guidance can help to prevent that outcome.

The Writer

blackpencilpoint@gmail.com