As a working mom, I know that my attitude toward work and money shapes the attitudes my children will carry into their adult lives. Even at their young age – 3, 6 and 8 – they understand my role as a working professional and income earner for our household.
When they moan, “Mommy, why do you have to go to work?” or plead, “Mommy, I want it. Buy it for me ple-e-e-e-e-se,” I’m not consumed with guilt like many moms. Instead, I revel in the opportunity to teach my children about why my career is important and how to make financially responsible decisions.
Lessons in work and money aren’t always easy to teach. In our household, the lessons are sometimes accompanied with tears. Saying “no” to a want is difficult, even for me. Thankfully, there are resources that can help and one of them is Junior Achievement.
This evening I attended an event at the Junior Achievement of Arizona office where my friend, Lisa Shevy (pictured with me on the left) is the Senior Director, Development. Tonight was the “test run” of their brand new JA Finance Park designed for 8th and 9th graders aged 13-15.
The JA Finance Park teaches vital skills in personal finance. I participated in a mock run of the program tonight and experienced a scaled down version of the full program. Each of us were given a unique Life Situation Profile that assigned our profession, family size, earnings, education and background. Using this information we calculated our net income and created both a low- and high-budget. Using the resources at the JA Finance Park, we reviewed “option sheets” that provided information on necessary expenses like mortgage, transportation, utilities, savings and more. It was a comprehensive, experiential learning experience that every young person should have before embarking on life on his or her own.
Of course, JA offers many programs beyond the Finance Park and your children’s school may already be connected with your local JA office. I’m definitely hooked. I can’t wait for my children to participate in JA through their school and hope to join their volunteer team as well.
Teaching young people about work and finance is a job every mom must do.
More Information:
Visit Junior Achievement: www.ja.org
Visit Arizona Junior Achievement: www.jaaz.org
Also read my Examiner.com article: 3 Work and Money Lesson Moms Should Teach
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