10 Ways to Give Your Child More Independence Without Freaking Yourself Out

Our kids see us buying things all the time, so it makes sense that most are interested in money. Start teaching them about how finances work by letting them fill a piggy bank with money they earn from household chores and are gifted on birthdays and holidays; then let them choose how to spend that money, even when you don't agree with those choices. Another great way to let them practice handling money independently: send your first or second grader into a convenience store to buy milk. She'll have to choose among the options, count money, and interact with the checkout person, all of which are sure to build confidence and a sense of autonomy.