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Teaching middle schoolers about budgeting and the cost of the holidays is a valuable life skill. But let’s be honest, it’s also a challenging one. Middle schoolers are naturally egocentric, often focusing on their own wants and needs without fully grasping the cost or effort behind things. They’re not like this on purpose because they want to be difficult - well, not most of the time! They’re just still learning to see the bigger picture and develop empathy for others' perspectives.
Here are five practical ways to help your middle schooler understand budgeting and the cost of the holidays:
1. Start with Perspective
Middle schoolers are at an age where they CAN begin to understand that money isn’t infinite and that everything costs something. This can be a bigger conversation that continues outside the holiday season. You can start by explaining the basics of budgeting: how much money you have to work with, how it’s divided into needs, wants, and savings, and how the holidays can stretch that balance. Use simple language, like, “We have a set amount of money for gifts, decorations, and food. Let’s figure out together how to make it work.”
2. Make Them Part of the Process
Get your child involved in creating a holiday budget. If they’re excited about buying gifts for family members, give them a small budget to work with and help them plan how to spend it. Let them compare prices and prioritize. This makes the concept tangible and gives them a sense of ownership. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach them about making smart financial decisions.
3. Explain Trade-Offs
Middle schoolers love autonomy, so frame budgeting as making choices. Discuss trade-offs like, “If we spend more on holiday decorations, we’ll need to spend less on something else.” This helps them understand the concept of limited resources and prioritizing what’s most important. It’s a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
4. Use Real Numbers
We all have different thoughts about discussing money with kids, depending on how we were raised. But imagine how much your child would benefit from understanding the actual cost of living now instead of figuring it out later on their own. Show them real receipts or go over holiday expenses with them. For example, review the cost of going out to dinner or the price of a tree and decorations. Seeing actual numbers makes the cost more concrete - and I promise, it will surprise them!
5. Encourage Earning
If your child has an allowance or earns money through chores, use this as an opportunity to teach how money is earned and spent. If they want to give gifts, they can budget from their own money or brainstorm thoughtful, non-monetary gifts like handmade cards or acts of service. This shows them that meaningful gifts don’t always have to cost a lot of money.
Bonus Tip: Model and Practice Gratitude
There’s a big difference between just telling kids to be thankful for something and actually discussing it with them. Highlight the importance of gratitude and focus on what the holidays are truly about: connection, giving, and being present—rather than just material items. This shifts the emphasis from spending to appreciating.
By involving your middle schooler in holiday planning and budgeting, you’re teaching them not only about the value of money but also about intentionality and resourcefulness. These lessons will stick with them far beyond the holiday season, helping them grow into financially savvy and mindful individuals.
