Being an adult, no one realizes how difficult it is until you actually get there! We emphasis to our kids that they need to get a good education. That it is very important. I have told all my kids that the responsibilities of adulthood are not as fun as it looks. Yes, you can do whatever you want, and a big however, a big part of that is that you actually have to have money to do those fun things. Actually, you have to have money for just the basics and then if you have any left over money you can have fun.
In an effort to have them actually see these I developed a game for my kids, Welcome to Adulthood.
The kids did some research on jobs, take home pays, costs of certain activities. They were shocked that you don't get to take home all your paycheck and the costs of some things.
We discussed what some needs and wants were. We wrote down costs for those items locally. We wrote down how much it is to have a pet and own a car.
Then I gave the kids their paychecks in cash. First they had to purchase the need items. Then they got to the want items. Michelle decided that she will move to an area with mass transportation so she won't need a car. She tried to go without a cell phone but that didn't go well when she missed a call from work.
Periodically I would add wrinkles to their lives. They got sick, had to do car repairs, forgot their moms birthday and many of those other annoyances in life that drain your bank account.
I showed them our bills. Talked about our income and how we got there. Talked about my jobs in college and how I lived broke. How you can do with less, but there is a point where you want to be comfortable.
By the end of the game they were all broke. They didn't make it through the month. They wanted better jobs so that they could make more money. Then they wanted to play again and again. I am in the process of developing a game with cards that they turn over and such. I hope to finish it this week.
I am not sure if it will change their opinion of school and their education. I do know that it made them realize that their income directly effects what they can afford to do. They also know that they have to pay for water!
I want that game when you get it finished! I think it's brilliant. You should get the idea copyrighted. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteawesome :)
ReplyDeleteI love it. When you get done planning it all out ... get in contact with Dave Ramsey and get him to help you market it. Then YOU can earn a little for all your efforts!! :-) We've been doing a money thing here, too. I have James doing the $365 day money challenge with him. ONly we do it backwards starting with the larger number and working down. http://funhappyhome.com/2014/01/365-day-savings-challenge-and-a-free-printable/ IT does not teach what your game is teaching but I am having him count money every day and it's starting to get easier. Also he should have quite a little savings at the end of the year. If he is taking good care of the chickens they will lay better and then his savings can increase. There's something about counting it often that is motivating. We also deal with costs and tithing, etc.. For Missy we are doing the penny challenge. She is not able to do more than that.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I could see this being as successful as goldyblocks which are toys that teach girls engineer skills. It started out as a Kickstart company and within a year was sold at stores like target and toys r us. I would also pitch the game idea to think fun the makers of rush hour. Hope the kids pick up the ideas
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I have talked with the kids about expenses etc but they don't really get it until they do it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! Would love it if you decide to share it with the world once you get it done!
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