Teach Children to Save

Each year in April, National Teach Children to Save Day encourages children to develop good saving habits. Bankers across the country volunteer every year to teach children to save. Developing these habits at a young age creates a foundation for a lifetime of saving. Involving our children with a savings plan, and money management skills prepare them for a solid future. Parents should teach children about financial matters so that when they head out into the world they avoid pitfalls that can be financially devastating. With an early start on saving and an understanding of budgeting their money, children will have solid habits as they head into adulthood.

This year BLC Community Bank read "Curious George Saves His Pennies," by Margret and H. A. Rey, to local first grade classrooms. In the book, Curious George works hard to save up money for a toy he wants, but then he loses his piggy bank on the way to the toy store. Fortunately, he gets it back and he shows his gratitude by doing something nice for the person who returned it to him.

In the Parent Guide for "Curious George Saves His Pennies," you’ll find questions you can ask your child about the story as well as interactive activities based on the book. For young children, it’s important to build foundational skills like waiting for what they want. You might ask about things your child could do to save up money or plan ahead for something he or she wants.

Here are some key takeaways that you can share with your child as you read: