All of us—parents and children alike—are spending time together at home, going through the restrictions related to the state of emergency and the viral pandemic. A crisis can also be a teacher, albeit a harsh one. We have all learned firsthand how important prudent financial behavior is: the ability to save and consume responsibly, not to live beyond our means, and to service our obligations regularly. The crisis also gives us an opportunity to continue—or to start—the much-needed conversation about money with our children. And what better way to do this than through the method most familiar and beloved by children—play!

We offer you three game ideas that you can apply at home and further develop according to your personal situation. It is worth noting that they can also be easily used by teachers, even in the context of distance learning.

The games are part of our set “10 Financial Games for Everyone: 10 Cards.” They were developed by the team of the Financial Literacy Initiative Foundation and are based on our many years of experience in innovative financial literacy for children and the application of the game-based approach in education.

Game: Prudent Judgment

• All participants (the whole family) together write down on small pieces of paper things they have or would like to have—for example, personal belongings, objects, or activities typical for your household.

• Duplicate the list so that you end up with two complete sets of slips.

• Divide into two teams; a good option is “children vs. parents.”

• Each team must sort its set of slips into three separate categories: “Needs,” “Wants,” and “Whims.” It is recommended to use small labeled cups, boxes, or similar containers.

• Compare the results and discuss them. Talk about whether a particular item could move into another category and the reasons for this.

Game: Wishes Come True

• Each participant (family member) writes down one wish or goal they want to achieve. The slips are folded, placed in a bowl, and mixed.

• Participants draw one slip—most likely with someone else’s wish or goal.

• Each person must propose three or more actions that could lead to achieving the goal they have drawn.

• Discuss with the participant whose wish you are “fulfilling” whether they agree with the proposed plan and what they would change.

• Together, discuss whether money is needed to achieve the goals and how it could be obtained.

Game: Imaginary Friend

• Participants divide into pairs. Each pair creates the character of a “typical” adult or child. They give them a name and define their age, appearance, character, habits, hobbies, and more. They may also draw the character.

• Once the character is fully developed, each pair writes down six ways in which the “imaginary friend” would earn money and twelve ways in which they would spend money.

• Each pair presents their imaginary friend and their financial habits.

• Discuss together the differences in the financial models and the reasons behind them.

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