Kids, Fear, Self-esteem and Money

HOW ARE THESE CONCEPTS RELATED?

A child's ideas and feelings about money form as early as 4 years old. If the parents show fear of not having enough, kids will pattern this idea. It's important to teach kids to prioritize and learn the difference between wants and needs without fear.

I believe we live in a fear-based society, especially when it comes to money.  Not only that, but I feel money is so tied-in to self-esteem in this country.  Maybe its like that in other parts of the world, I don't know.  But in the grand ole USA, if you don't have money, you are looked upon as "not good enough".  There is a major disconnect between education, jobs, and "making a living".  College kids cannot get jobs to begin to combat the huge debt most college graduates have.  Unless the student has completed an internship to gain the key ingredient employers look for  - EXPERIENCE - , they become part the the educated masses all looking for a job...or a way to earn income.

There needs to be an intern step in between college and the workforce or at least there should be more opportunities for students to gain experience prior to graduating. 

So, back to money, fear and self-esteem.  Its up to parents to counter this fear by (1) treating money as neutral, neither good nor bad, and (2) separating money from self-worth and (3) using as many examples as they can find to illustrate this.  Set up achievable, short-term goals for children that set them up for success.  Then build on each one!