7 Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Kids About Money at Home
I never really thought about how to teach kids about money at home until my six-year-old blew his pocket money on a Fortnite skin—and five minutes later, had a full meltdown because he couldn’t buy the battle pass. Classic.
I can’t believe it hit me during a Fortnite meltdown.
My six-year-old had just spent all his pocket money on a new Fortnite skin. Ten minutes later? He was sobbing because he “had no money left for the battle pass.”
And there I was half-torn between explaining budgeting and resisting the urge to say, “Well, that’s what happens when you blow it all on a glowing banana character.”
That moment? That’s when I realised I hadn’t really taught him about money.
Not properly. Not in a way that made sense to him.
I mean, he’s six. He can build a five-story LEGO tower in record time and navigate Roblox like a pro… but money? That’s still this big, mysterious thing to him.
And honestly? For a while, it was still a bit mysterious to me, too.
So I decided to stop waiting for the “perfect” time to teach him and just start—messy, real, and in the middle of snack requests and laundry piles. Here’s what’s actually worked for us (and yep, it includes LEGO and Roblox).
What Actually Works: How to Teach Kids About Money at Home (Without Losing Your Mind)
1. The Spend, Save, and Give Jars (But Make Them Roblox-Themed)
We grabbed three jars, labelled them together—Spend, Save, and Give—and he immediately added Roblox stickers to his. Because obviously.
Now, every time he gets pocket money, he decides what goes where.
And the power this kid feels when he puts a coin in his “Save for LEGO” jar? Priceless.
It’s helped him understand the value of choices, and that he actually has control over what happens to his money. (Even if his “Give” jar once went to “buying mummy chocolate because I looked tired.” Honestly? Not mad about it.)
2. Use Their Favourite Games to Teach Value
Look, I didn’t plan to turn Fortnite into a financial lesson… but here we are.
When he spent all his V-Bucks in one go, we had a chat:
“What would happen if I spent all my money on chocolate and then we couldn’t buy food?”
He paused. “We’d be hungry.”
Exactly.
Now, before buying a new skin or Roblox item, we ask:
“Is it something you really want, or just something that looks cool for now?”
Half the time he still buys it anyway. But now? He thinks first. That’s progress.
3. Let Them Earn It—Little Jobs, Big Lessons
We have a mini job chart stuck to the fridge.
Feed the cat? 20p. Help fold socks (badly, but it’s the effort)? 30p. Tidy his LEGO without me threatening to vacuum it up? A whole 50p.
It’s not about bribing him—it’s about showing that effort equals reward.
And the look on his face when he buys something with his own money? So proud. (Even if it’s a silly foam sword we’ll all trip over for the next six months.)
4. Monopoly Junior: The Sneaky Way I Learned How to Teach Kids About Money at Home
I used to groan at the idea of board games. Who has the brain space?
But Monopoly Junior is a sneaky little money teacher.
He learned about buying things, paying rent, budgeting… and also, losing without flipping the board. (Most of the time.)
It became less about “teaching” and more about playing together, and the lessons just clicked.
5. Grocery Shopping on a Kid Budget (Yes, It’s Chaos. Worth It.)
Next time you’re at the shops, hand them a coin. Say, “Here’s £2. You can pick one thing for the trolley.”
He’ll run up and down the aisles like he’s on a game show—but he’ll also start comparing prices, checking sizes, and figuring out what’s “worth it.”
One time, he chose a bag of mini donuts over chocolate coins and said, “It lasts longer.” I nearly cried. And then ate one.
6. Talk About Money—Like, Actually Talk About It
I used to say “We can’t afford that,” and then feel rubbish. Like I was letting him down.
Now I say things like,
“We’re choosing to save this month so we can do something fun later.”
Or
“We’re not buying that today because we’re focusing on our holiday fund.”
It’s a small shift, but it teaches him that money is about choices—not just lack.
7. Let Them Make Money Mistakes (It Hurts, But It Helps)
Ah yes, the great Roblox disaster.
He saved for weeks, then bought an in-game item he didn’t even like.
He was gutted. I wanted to swoop in and fix it—but I didn’t.
Instead, we talked about how it felt to spend money and regret it.
Now? He waits a few days before making big (in his world) purchases.
And when he says, “I’ll think about it,” I know he’s actually learning.
Mum, You’re Doing Amazing (Even If You Feel Like You’re Winging It)
If you’ve ever panicked mid-tantrum in a toy aisle or scrambled to explain why Roblox coins aren’t free—welcome to the club. You’re not failing. You’re teaching.
We don’t have to raise mini financial experts. We just have to raise kids who understand the basics—in their language, in our messy, everyday lives.
And honestly? If my son grows up knowing how to budget his Roblox and his real money? I’ll take that as a win.
Talk to Me, Mama 💬
How have you started teaching your little one about money?
Or is there something you want to try but haven’t had the energy for yet?
Drop a comment—I’d love to swap stories, wins, and facepalm moments.
Oh—and if you want a fun printable for your own Spend, Save, Give jars, I’ve made one you can grab in the Freebies Library. No email sign-up, no faff—just something to make it easier.
