Most Parents Have Talked to Their Kids About Money or Finances

How do families teach children to manage money, and what can Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners do to help parents build these skills? This Child Trends resource explores how parents and caregivers talk with children ages 8–18 about saving, spending, budgeting, and earning money. The analysis found that 87% of parents had discussed money with their children. For TANF practitioners, this resource offers a useful starting point for conversations about financial well-being across generations. Program staff can use the findings to encourage everyday financial learning, identify parents who may want additional guidance, and connect families with budgeting and financial education resources that support long-term economic stability.