September – National Child Awareness Month

September is National Child Awareness Month.

U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 598, designating September as “National Child Awareness Month.”

“The month of September is expressly marked to promote awareness of charities and children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States, and to honor
their contributions to the health and well-being of our country’s children.”

Take this celebration one step further. This is the time to give to children financial lessons. Lessons (tools) that will put kids on a financial path for success. We want our kids to become money savvy young adults.

In the U.S., September is traditionally back-to-school month, a time when families focus on preparing children for the coming school year. So, it is also fitting that we take time during this month to reflect on the needs of children and youth.

How do we raise awareness of our children? The Festival of Children Foundation suggests these four guiding principles:

• Nurture one child. That’s all it takes to make a difference.
• Children are the future of philanthropy. It’s our responsibility to teach them the importance of sharing and giving back.
• Actions speak louder than words. Find a child’s cause that’s important to you and get involved.
• Many hands make light work. So join forces with those who share your goals and dreams.

My goals and dreams are to empower children about money.

I believe in entrepreneurial skills and creative thinking when it comes to children and money. I believe in fostering financial independence by helping and guiding kids to find
kid-friendly, creative ways to make money.

Here are 10 things you can do to celebrate National Child Awareness Month focusing on the value of money and how money can be earned, invested, donated, saved and spent
wisely:

1. Give your kids a hug or a smile and let them know that they are creative enough to think of ways to earn their own money.
2. Share a favorite financial book with your kids. Ask them to read to you a section they like about money.
3. Become a financial mentor to your kids. Remind them that you will always be there to help them with their money problems or concerns.
4. Give your kids the chance to experience the gift of donating. Let them donate some of their money to a charity. You can even match their donation! ;o)
5. Encourage your kids to invest some of their money in a friend’s business venture.
6. Create a service or product that will give your kids passive income.
7. Empower your kids to save some of their money for a rainy day, a special treat and a learning experience.
8. Encourage teachers and school administrators to celebrate National Child Awareness Month by hosting a classroom project during the month about money.
9. Coordinate with existing community groups (i.e. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) to host activities that teach about money.
10. Take a day off “just because” and spend it with your child. Show him or her the value of buying something needed over something wanted.

September is more well-known in the U.S. for the celebration of Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Don’t forget to celebrate National Child Awareness Month as well.

It is our duty, our responsibility, to teach our children the value of money which is not in and of itself valuable. The value of money is how it is spread around. Encourage your children to learn the value of money and how to make their money work hard for them and not work hard for their money! ;o)