Say This Not That: 3 Easy Money Scripts For Parents Who Don't Want To Mess It Up

Say This, Not That: 3 Easy Money Scripts for Parents Who Don’t Want to Mess It Up

Let’s be real—talking to your kid about money can feel like walking a tightrope.

You want to be honest… but not scary.
You want to teach responsibility… without sounding rigid.
And sometimes? You just blank.

You're not alone. Most parents were never taught how to talk about money—let alone how to do it in a way that builds confidence instead of fear.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need a few simple, safe, go-to scripts to start.

1. When your kid asks, “Are we rich?”

What most parents say:

“We’re doing fine.”
“That’s not something you need to worry about.”
“No, but we’re not poor either.”

Try this instead:

“What does ‘rich’ mean to you? Let’s talk about what really matters with money.”

✅ Why it works:
It opens the door for emotional connection and financial literacy—without shame or secrecy.

2. When they ask, “Can we buy that?”

What most parents say:

“We can’t afford it.”
“Maybe later.”
“No, that’s too expensive.”

Try this instead:

“That’s not in our budget this week. But we can plan for it—want to help me figure it out?”

✅ Why it works:
This models delayed gratification, planning, and financial boundaries—without making money feel scarce or scary.

3. When they get money from a gift or allowance

What most parents say:

“Save all of it!”
“Don’t spend it all at once.”
“What are you going to buy?”

Try this instead:

“Let’s decide together: some to save, some to spend, maybe some to share. How do you want to divide it?”

✅ Why it works:
This encourages balanced decision-making and introduces the concept of values-based spending.

You don’t need a finance degree to raise money-smart kids.

But you do need language that feels natural, kind, and clear.

💬 Even if you’re not having “money talks” yet, your kids are still learning.
From your tone. Your habits. Your reactions.
They're picking up more than you realize.

Curious what they might be absorbing?

✨ Take this FREE 2-minute self-assessment quiz: THEY'RE ALREADY LISTENING: What Money Messages Are Your Kids Absorbing?
You’ll get instant insight—and a calming journaling ritual to help you shift anything that doesn’t feel aligned.

Get the Quiz: Click Here!
No guilt. Just awareness—and a better way forward.