Dear Annie: How to teach kids about money age-appropriately

Dear Readers: Many of you wrote in with tips on encouraging children to focus less on material items. Thank you for sharing these terrific suggestions. Here are some of my favorite letters:

Dear Annie: Many years ago, my grandfather insisted on gifting us something on every visit. This was in addition to taking us for treats and to the park to play. He also kept a change jar, and while we would hold our hands over a bag, he’d pour change until it overflowed in our hands.

My mom tempered the generosity by letting us keep an age-appropriate amount to spend and taking us to the bank to deposit the rest in our savings accounts.

I’ll always remember my grandfather’s generosity, but I also remember my mom teaching us to save. Maybe this would help this family, too.

When we got overloaded with toys at Christmas, we chose several to keep and donated the rest to kids less fortunate or the local Y.

I am 66 years old and very grateful for these early experiences. They taught me thrift, empathy and compassion and have kept me well-grounded through the years! — Feeling Compassion

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].