Why Most Parents Avoid Talking About Money—And Why That’s a Problem

Why Most Parents Avoid Talking About Money—And Why That’s a Problem

Most of us grew up in homes where money was either a taboo subject or one wrapped in tension.

We heard phrases like:

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

“Don’t talk about money in front of guests.”

“You’re too young to understand.”

So, we didn’t ask. We didn’t understand. We just absorbed — the stress, the silence, the shame.

But here’s the thing: our kids are still absorbing.

And if we don't talk to them about money, someone else will. Maybe a friend. Maybe an influencer. Maybe a marketing campaign that equates self-worth with spending.

The Silent Curriculum at Home

Even when we don’t actively teach money lessons, we’re still teaching them.

Arguing about bills teaches that money causes conflict.

Constantly saying "we can’t afford it" teaches scarcity.

Avoiding the topic altogether teaches that money is scary or shameful.

Your child is learning — from every sigh at the ATM, every hesitation before a big purchase, every shopping spree after a tough day.

The silence becomes a story they carry.

Why We Stay Silent

Most parents avoid financial conversations because:

They don’t feel “expert” enough.

They think it’ll stress their kids out.

They carry their own wounds around money — fear, guilt, past mistakes.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a financial expert to raise financially smart kids.

You just need to be willing to talk.

Start Small. Start Honest.

When your child asks, “Are we rich?”, don’t shush them. Ask what they mean by “rich”.

Involve them in decisions: “We’re saving for a trip this year, so we’ll skip pizza night this week.”

Show them how you budget, how you choose between needs and wants, and even where you goofed up.

Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing. Worry about saying something.

Because if you can talk about money, you can teach about values—like patience, gratitude, generosity, and discipline.

Money as a Tool, Not a Taboo

What if we could raise kids who aren’t afraid of money?

Who see it not as a source of stress, but a tool for impact?

Who know that:

Debt isn’t always evil—but it needs a plan.

Saving isn’t punishment—it’s power.

Giving isn’t optional—it’s part of a good life.

That starts with us.

We don’t need to be perfect.

Just willing.

✅ What Next?

Every parent is teaching money lessons—even in silence. But is it the lesson you want to teach?

💬 What’s one money conversation you avoided as a child, that you wish someone had had with you? Drop a comment below or share this with a fellow parent who’s navigating the same journey.

💡 Enjoyed this post? You might also like: 👉 It’s Okay to Be Bored: Why Children Need Downtime

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