There’s something contradictory about the role of money in our lives. It would be nice to have more of it, but not too much of it. We need just enough of it not to worry about it. As a parent who wishes to instill good values in his children, it is tempting to rely on comforting cliches. To say “money isn’t everything,” or that it “can’t buy happiness.” But getting your kids to think maturely about money takes more than upbeat platitudes.

The fact is that money isn’t everything, but it is important for quality of life. Every parent wants their children to have opportunities within a stable environment that fosters happiness, safety, and comfort. At the same time parents often fear the spoil factor whereby their kids become brats who don’t have to (or want to) work hard in life to make a positive contribution to society. I can’t speak for everyone, but I want my children to have a healthy relationship with money.