Teaching Kids About Money: Practical Tips & Tricks

Together with

"I am proud of many things in life but nothing beats being a mother."

Oh look, December snuck in. Surprise, surprise! 🎄 We survived 11 months of parenting this year, just one more to go. Buckle up, here’s today's treat.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Making cents of kiddo finance lessons 💰

• Old shower curtain? New art smock!

• Strawberry aliens 🍓👽

• DIY cocoa mug with popsicle sticks! ☕

Ever wonder how to soothe those post-baby knee aches? 
Check out this stylish relief. - Bracelayer

Budget Diapers & College Dreams

Tips for Teaching Kids About Money

Ever felt like teaching your kiddos about money is as tricky as explaining why broccoli is a superhero food?

Well, guess what? It's easier than you might think!

For the Tiny Tots: Ages 2-3

Who said toddlers can't grasp the money concept?

Start simple: play the coin identification game! Trace and color coin shapes and then chat about each coin's name.

And for a dollop of imagination, transform your living room into a mini-mart.

Using play money and everyday items, you're not just playing shop – you're crafting a money genius!

Curious Kiddos: Ages 4-5

Pre-grocery trips, turn your tots into coupon-clipping helpers!

And remember those pretend restaurants?

They're back in business, but this time, don't let your 4-year-old dash without paying the bill with their make-believe money.

It’s all about learning the give-and-take of money, with a side of giggles!

Budding Bankers: Ages 6-8

Now's the time your little ones start getting the money gist.

Why not make their allowance feel "official" with a bank trip?

Opening a savings account can be an adventure, plus a math lesson when introducing interest.

And to sprinkle in some fun, dive into coin collecting or explore the kids' section of the US Mint website.

Money knowledge + fun = parenting win!

Tween Treasurers: Ages 9-12

Help your tweenies grasp the true value of money through comparison shopping.

Analyze price tags, consider quality, and compare brands.

And here's a cool idea: let them run your next yard sale.

You'll be surprised how they master the art of pricing and bargaining (maybe even better than you!).

Teen Titans: Ages 13-15

Time to introduce budgeting! Distinguish 'wants' from 'needs' with the 'potatoes and gravy' analogy.

Also, who said stocks are just for adults?

Play pretend stock investing with familiar brands, making finance discussions a family evening routine.

Almost Adults: Ages 16+

Your teens can now test all they've learned with stored-value cards.

It's a bridge between cash and credit cards, letting them manage and budget funds you load.

Just a heads up: check for any fees attached!

So, there you have it, moms! From coin games to stock play, turning money lessons into fun memories is now your forte.

Keep reading here.

Together with Bracelayer

Check out Bracelayer's KS1 for comfy and stylish everyday support

Did you know that 74% of women in their third trimester of pregnancy have knee pain that often continues postpartum? 

But good news!

Bracelayer’s knee-stabilizing compression pants are here to help!

Our Tri-Tech support layer, made of Stabiluxe™ antibacterial compression fabric, medical grade, perforated neoprene, and compression mesh, helps keep you balanced & pain-free.

The KS1’s phone pockets, drawstring waistband, and supportive design are very popular with active women.

Grab your 25% Mommy discount today (applied at checkout).

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 12/1

How often do you feel overwhelmed as a mother?

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ All the time (44%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Occasionally (50%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Rarely (4%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Never (2%)

Featured Response 😊 

Oh, your heartfelt words truly capture the rollercoaster of motherhood—those challenging moments are tough, but those precious cuddles and laughs make it all worth it, don't they? 🥰 - Danielle

Mom Hack

Transform an Old Shower Curtain Liner Into an Art Smock

Mom Hack

Have an old shower curtain?

Here's a fun idea: Transform them into a makeshift art smock for your kiddo!

Simply cut out a big rectangle (big enough to cover your child's outfit) and pop a hole in the top for their head.

And to keep that fancy new smock in place? Snip a strip from the remaining curtain and use it as a belt.

Perfect for those messy paint days!

Mom’s Menu

Strawberry Aliens: Fun & Healthy! 🍓👽

Ever felt the cringe at the sight of too much sugar at kids' bake sales? Me too! 

But here's a refreshing twist - Strawberry Aliens!

These cute, healthy, and absolutely adorable treats are not only lower on sugar but are a hit with the kiddos!

Let's dive in!

Ingredients 📝

• 1/2 cup whipped light cream cheese

• 2 teaspoons strawberry preserves

• 1-quart large strawberries (about 24)

• 48 mini chocolate chips

• Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

• Pineapples (cut into small shapes)

• Toothpicks

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and strawberry preserves. Spoon it into a plastic bag, snip one end to make a mini piping bag.

2. Flatly slice the strawberry base to let it stand.

3. Carve a tiny notch on top of each strawberry, fill it with cream cheese mix.

4. Add 2 chocolate chips on the cream cheese to craft eyes.

5. Insert toothpicks on top of the strawberries, then skewer with berries & pineapples to fashion antennas.

Note 📌

These fruity aliens aren't just treats; they're also a delightful activity!

Watch your kids' eyes light up as they design their very own edible extraterrestrials.

Treats like these Strawberry Aliens are not only delicious and fun but also promote healthier eating choices for our young ones.

Happy crafting, fabulous mom! 💕🍓

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Kids Edition)

Popsicle Stick Hot Chocolate Mug

Nothing screams winter like hot chocolate!

Help your kids craft a spill-proof, festive hot chocolate mug with jumbo popsicle sticks and some paint.

Finish with a cute handle, cotton ball marshmallows, and perhaps a snowflake sticker!

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

I've been portioning out servings of purees and baby foods, and let me tell you, it's a game changer!

No more scrambling during meal times. Just pop out a serving, and voila, meal is served.

It's a simple tool that has brought a great deal of convenience to my daily routine.

Easy Release Flexible Silicone Mold

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

Children should switch to a forward-facing car seat around 12-14 months old.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

B) False - It's safer for them to remain rear-facing for as long as possible, at least until age 2.