value of money

We have a spoiled little boy - what can I say. He's an only child (for now), comes from a "broken home", a "blended family", is "co-parented".... but any which way you put it I know he is fortunate in that he is very very loved. Loved and spoiled rotten. Along with this, we had come to realize that he has no idea about the value of money. Granted he IS only 5, but we figured we should start doing something about it.

So, on top of some of the typical chores, which he is such a big help with. We found a job for him... of sorts. RECYCLING! I got inspired to write this after we returned this afternoon with another $12.15.

It's his responsibility to  make sure we don't throw any bottles, cans or glass in the trash (which also entices him to help clean up after every meal). I try my best to pay attention,and rinse everything out - then he has a spot on the counter where i put it all - especially for him. And he checks it... constantly.

We have 3 bags set up in the garage - plastic, glass, cans. And now, he has even started asking others to save for him - YES  we made him ask himself. He has my parents doing it and his father's work. Not only is he learning responsibility and the value of money - but also learning to help in the little ways that he can in protecting this precious earth.

And even better... is that half of what he earns has to go into his savings account and the other half he is allowed to spend. So, he's also learning to save! In just 3 weeks - $30 is a lot of money to a 5 year old. And half of that every month could really add up for his future.