Fun Ways to Teach Your Child Financial Skills This Summer

As New Englanders, we’re no strangers to the everchanging weather patterns of the spring season, as well as the abundance of pollen that accompanies it. However, with summer on our doorstep, it’s time to prepare for the fun activities that await you, like packing the car for a beach trip, treating your children to ice cream, and stargazing as fireworks light up the night sky!

While learning might be the last thing on your child’s mind now that school is out, you can actually teach your kids about financial literacy in everyday conversations.

Children are naturally curious about money — it is a fascinating and grown-up concept! Feed their hunger for knowledge with open conversations about money basics, and sprinkle in financial “lessons” through fun age-appropriate activities and projects.

Examples of these activities include:

• Count and identify coins and bills and talk about how money is used. Have extra change laying around? Roll those coins together!
• Decorate piggy banks or jars and talk about saving for a goal
• Visit stores and talk about buying needs versus wants (and show them how you can prioritize your needs versus wants, too)
• Give them a grocery list and a maximum amount to spend; help them figure out how to navigate the store and the list
• Donate some used clothes and toys, and talk about sharing

Looking for some other ideas? How about a lemonade stand? The Rockland Trust Lemonade Stand is a fun and interactive way to teach your children financial lessons. Visit your local Rockland Trust branch to ask how you can get involved. All of the materials needed to set up your lemonade stand are provided by Rockland Trust, and the funds raised will be donated to Tommy’s Place, a local nonprofit providing magical vacation experiences for children battling cancer and their families.

Another way to explore money management conversations with your kids is to connect it to something they’re already doing, like chores or summer reading. In fact, Rockland Trust has a summer reading program that encourages students to save money. Children in Massachusetts who are entering first through eighth grade in the Fall 2023/2024 school year are eligible to participate in the program. Learn more about the Reading Makes Cent$ program for details.

If summer fun outdoor activities are not an option, turn to a more traditional learning environment with Ms. Money's Classroom. Ms Money’s Classroom expands on Ms. Money & the Coins, Rockland Trust’s own educational, interactive, musical presentation that teaches elementary-aged students about money, by providing free, unique and fun resources to help you teach your children about money. This year, Ms. Money’s Classroom  will also be available in Spanish!

Explore Ms. Money's Classroom

Money Management Conversation Tips for Adults

If you find you’re uncomfortable talking about money with your kids, you’re not alone. Money management is a complex and personal topic, so it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable about broaching the subject with your child. Just remember that financial education is a lifelong journey for you, too, and it’s okay to admit to your children that you are still learning, as well.

The Psychology of Money: Three Reasons Why Talking About Money Early and Often is Key

PRO TIP: Don’t let any negative emotions you might associate with money keep you from teaching your child financial literacy. Learn together! It’s normal to have financial ups and downs, so be honest and transparent about the financial lessons you have learned in your life.

Help Kids Learn the Value of Money

With a bit of courage and creativity, talking about money with your children can be fun. It’s never too early to start candid conversations about money with kids and instill healthy habits, values and feelings around finances.

For more resources and advice to support your family’s financial health and future, visit our Learning Center.