5 Entertaining Ways to Teach Children About Money (And Printable Free Coloring Pages!)

5 Entertaining Ways to Teach Children About Money (And Printable Free Coloring Pages!)

"Children learn by playing. Why not teach money lessons in the same manner?"

 

As parents, we want the absolute best for our children—not just academically and emotionally, but in practice as well. But one of the essential life skills, money management, is sometimes omitted in early life.

The good news? Teaching money-savvy kids doesn't mean you have to be some financial wizard. You just have to think creatively, repeat yourself enough times, and make the topic enjoyable and easy to understand. That’s what this post sets out to do for you.

We're offering 5 fun, everyday activities to teach your child about money to start today—and as a special bonus: a printable coloring pages set of our cute piggy bank character to supplement the lessons in a visual, enjoyable manner.

1. Take Advantage of Regular Situations for Teaching


It doesn’t have to be some high-powered lecture or earmarked sit-down lesson to educate your child in money matters. The daily moment is the ideal classroom.

At the grocery store: Get your child to assist in choosing between two items based on cost. Teach your child the concept of coupons and discounts.

Cash payment: Have them count the money for you or hand it to the cashier.

Date nights or ordering in: Talk about money--“We're capping expenditure at $10 today.”

When they want a toy: Start one of your savings objectives together.

Pro Tip: Tell your reasons aloud.
Example: “I'm choosing the store brand because it's inexpensive, and we can spend the money on the weekend ice cream treat!”


2. Establish a Save-Spend-Give Jar System


One classic way to teach the fundamentals of budgeting is the 3-Jar System. It’s easy, visual, and amazingly effective.

Label three jars: Save, Spend, and Give.

When your child receives money (allowance, birthday gifts, etc., or for doing household chores), show them how to divide it between the jars.

Explain the purpose of each:

  • Saving for bigger goals (e.g., bike)
  • Buy for fun, little items now
  • Support causes they're passionate about (e.g., local food banks or animal shelters)

The system allows children to take responsibility for the decisions they make, as well as learn about postponing rewards, giving, and self-control.


3. Read Stories About Money Together


Children remember stories more than they do rules. Books give them protagonists they might identify with, learn from, and support.

That’s why storybooks are an effective money education resource. Money concepts come to life in stories that feel safe, enjoyable, and motivating.

Try reading:

Following reading, pose questions such as:
"Why did you think Emily wanted to save money?"
"What would you save for if you were in her shoes?"


4. Visualize Big Ideas with the Help of Coloring Pages


Certain children learn by sight. Others just love to color! That's why we created a free Piggy Bank Adventures coloring pages bundle to help youngsters learn money concepts in a stress-free, creative way.

Our cheerful piggy bank character is on every page doing various money activities--adding coins, running a lemonade stand, going grocery shopping, and taking a money-saving trip.

These coloring pages:

  • Augment the money vocabulary (save, earn, spend, grow)

  • To open the door to deep conversations

  • Provide a screen-free means to connect and learn with one another

 

 

Click here to download your free coloring pages!
👉 [Download Now]

You can print as many as you like, and don't forget to stick them on the fridge for future use as reminders of the learnings!


5. Pretend Store or Lemonade Stand


Kids love to pretend—it’s the way they interpret the world around them. Set up a home-made mini store or convince your child to start a pretend (or real!) lemonade stand.

Play with play money (or real coins for larger children) and have them:

  • Price goods

  • "Sell" them to family members

  • Count and change back to money

  • Keep track of how much they earn or save

This kind of play helps in confidence-building, early math competence, decision-making, and entrepreneurical thinking.

Pro Tip: Later, sit down and ask the question, “How much did you earn? What would you like to do with it?”

 

You’re Not Simply Raising a Child—You’re Raising a Future Adult

 

It's not about pushing children to grow up too early, it's about giving them confidence, independence, and understanding. And the wonderful thing? Money lessons, when they're learned in love, don't feel like lessons at all. They come from play, from stories, from imagination, from relationship.

Go for it--plan to start small, make it fun, and practice enough. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.

Obtain your free coloring pages now and start teaching your child the happy way about money. Because each coin they save… brings them one more step to a brighter future. 

 

Remember—every coin saved, every small money conversation you have, adds up. You're not just teaching your child about dollars and cents; you're giving them tools to thrive for a lifetime.


Start today. Keep it light. Keep it joyful. 💛


👉 Download your free coloring pages and begin your money adventure together!