So today, Mom took them to get their bubble gum and took them to the library to make their first donation. The librarian director was so thrilled, she took their Picture for the library's Facebook page. I believe something like that would be a very good moment for kids that age and will hopefully set them down a good path with repeated actions. --50.107.xxx.xxx

But if a slip and fall attorney gets hold of them...look out. Child labor laws, minimum wage, BOLI... --24.20.xxx.xxx

Haha JB, it's all cash. He said/ she said. No paper trail. Deny, deny, deny. Half the time I can't understand my 3 yr old anyway, so I'm not worried. --50.107.xxx.xxx

It isn't that we shouldn't work toward things we want, but we need to know that they are "wants". At 24 and self sufficient she still asks herself that question, recognizing a want, she might or might not purchase. --108.4.xxx.xx

Aghh, Linda J of NY, ice cream IS food! :) --73.102.xx.xx

***SUPER MOM!*** --68.50.xxx.xxx

I so wish we had followed that rule with our kids. Neither has good money management skills as adults. --107.77.xxx.x

Good job! What a great idea-- divisible by three. Good habits start young! --166.137.xxx.xx

Financial responsibility, saving, needs vs wants, goals and charity... great parenting! If only more parents taught that... our tenants might not have so many issues... then again they might all be homeowners or landlords. --24.61.xxx.xx

Don't forget the Halloween Tax. I take 1/3 of all candies collected. Tell my 8 yr olds, the government makes me do it. However, now that Trump's in office, I'm thinking I may inform them that Trump lowered the rate to 1/4. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Excellent work, NE and Mrs. NE. Parents like you help me be confident of a bright future. --68.188.xx.xx

There has to be something better than bubble gum that they would want. Something that is more lasting like a small toy? --73.178.xxx.xx

They were excited to choose gum. They don't get it often. --50.107.xxx.xxx

When they're old enough, introduce them to the world of 'compounding' - the fastest way to financial independence when start early. --99.59.x.xxx

NE thanks for an extremely positive story. --50.227.xxx.xx

I have my grandkids donate something that they can "see". we take items to the SPCA and at Christmas (although I personally dislike the charity for a number of reasons) they donate a toy to a less fortunate child. These are things they know and understand --72.70.xxx.x

NE, that is so cool about the work policy for your kids and their first donation, and thank you so much for sharing it! I giggled that the kids chose “bubble gum tape” as their goal, and a “thanks” to your wife too for being the driver to coordinate everything. --67.188.xxx.xx

You two are doing a good job with getting your kids on a smart financial path. Whether or not they embrace that when they grow up is a roll of dice. One of mine is on the road to prosperity, the other is still wanting an easy path. --71.175.xxx.xx