I love that our son’s teacher is teaching him the value of money at school. He does homework and instead of getting a sticker or smiley face, he gets paper coins. Later he can use the “money” to buy things at the “store.” The store has small, inexpensive items that kids would like. I told him how it took me much longer to realize the value of money.

We’re also teaching him at home. He recently asked his dad how business is going. Not sure if that’s good (he might worry if the answer isn’t all roses). But he’s aware.

The Get Rich Slowly Blog has a list of books that teach kids about money. They are all reasonably priced, under $10. For used copies it’s even cheaper:

• Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
  by Judith Viorst. Remember Alexander and the bad day? The same Alexander is learning about money. For ages 4-8.
• Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids
  by Gail Karlitz. Covers banks, bonds, stocks, and financial pages. Ages 9-12.
• The Totally Awesome Money Book for Kids
  by Arthur and Rose Bochner. “Arthur wrote the original version of this book when he was 11. Now, at age 24, he’s teamed up with his 14-year-old sister to revise it.” Ages 9-12.
• What Color is Your Piggy Bank? Entrepreneurial Ideas for Self-Starting Kids
  by Adelia Cellini Linecker. Get them trained early on making money from jobs they come up with. Ages 9-12.

The author makes a good point – people are more receptive to books when they already have an interest and are ready. I try to cultivate this interest with my son. Never use books as a way to get people to change who aren’t ready – it won’t work and can turn them off to the subject completely.