Talking to Grandkids About Money, Gratitude, and Giving
Grandparents understand that money significantly influences a child’s values, decisions, and relationships. While schools cover financial mechanics, instilling gratitude and generosity often starts at home, where grandparents can have a significant impact.
Here are some ways grandparents can initiate meaningful discussions about money, gratitude, and giving with grandchildren of all ages, from toddlers with piggy banks to teens with debit cards.
Begin by telling stories, rather than simply giving instructions or lecturing.
Children learn values more effectively through narratives than through rules. Share a personal anecdote, such as saving for a desired item or experiencing someone’s kindness, to illustrate these values.
Try saying:
“When I was your age, I saved coins in a jar to buy my first bicycle. It took months, but I was so proud when I finally did it.”
Personal stories humanize the concepts of patience, value, and appreciation—and invite kids to reflect on their own experiences.
Using Allowance or Gift Money as a Teaching Tool
If your grandkids receive allowance, birthday money, or gifts from you, encourage them to divide it into three simple categories:
- Spend (what they want now)
- Save (for something bigger)
- Give (to help someone else)
You can even help them decorate three jars or envelopes labeled Spend, Save, and Give. If they’re older, apps like Greenlight or GoHenry can help with digital money management too.
Talk About Needs vs. Wants
Gratitude begins with awareness. The next time you’re shopping or eating out together, gently bring up the difference between “needing” and “wanting.”
Try asking:
“Do you think this is something we need, or something fun to have? How do we decide which one is worth buying?”
This sparks reflection—and lays the groundwork for smart decision-making and thankful attitudes.
Encourage Generosity in Action
Helping kids experience the joy of giving is one of the best lessons of all. Invite them to choose a cause or project they care about, then brainstorm ways they can contribute.
Ideas include:
- Donating part of their allowance
- Creating care kits for shelters
- Buying food for a pet rescue
- Writing thank-you notes to community helpers
Even small acts make a big impact—and help children feel empowered.
Model Gratitude in Your Own Life
Gratitude is contagious. When kids see you express thanks—to a cashier, a nurse, a neighbor—they internalize that behavior. You can even start a simple tradition together, like:
- Sharing one thing you’re thankful for at dinner
- Keeping a gratitude jar
- Writing postcards to people who’ve made a difference
Grandparents have a unique ability to show that life’s best treasures aren’t always bought—they’re felt and shared.
Final Thoughts
Money isn’t just a practical topic—it’s a moral and emotional one, too. When we help our grandkids understand not just how to manage money, but why gratitude and giving matter, we gift them tools for a life of purpose, perspective, and joy.
And maybe one day, they’ll say to their own grandkids,
“I learned this from my grandma,” or “My grandpa used to say…”
What better legacy is there?v