When I was little, my parents tried to protect me from money. With 5 kids, I know the budget was touch and go for several of my early years, but mom and dad never discussed money in front of us. They were afraid we'd find out that we were teetering over an abyss of poverty and develope neuroses. So instead of talking about these problems, my dad just let it get him in a foul mood, and then he took it out on us verbally.
That's freakin' frackin' ridiculous.
I want my kids to know all about the family's dealings. I want my son to carry a calculator to the grocery store with us when he's too young to add decimals. I want my daughter to look at the budget with me and understand why we can't buy new toys all the time. Hell, by the time the Gang of Four have all passed fourth grade, I want to see them writing checks and paying bills with me.
My kids won't ever be scared we're going to the poor house, but this won't be because I'm keeping it from them. It will be because they know what's up, and they know it's not a big deal.
(By the way, "Hi" everybody. Sorry I was gone so long. Work, pregnant wife, work, family issues, work, I'm kind of a seasonal poster anyway, and work kept me from being here.)