Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, tackles real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How can I get my middle schooler to understand budgeting and the cost of the holidays?"

In this episode, Vanessa shares relatable and practical tips for teaching middle schoolers about budgeting during the holiday season. From starting with perspective to involving your child in creating a holiday budget, she provides actionable strategies that help kids grasp the value of money and make intentional choices. Vanessa also emphasizes the importance of modeling gratitude and shifting the focus from material items to meaningful connections.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• How to introduce the concept of budgeting in simple, relatable terms
• Ways to involve your child in holiday planning and spending decisions
• How to teach trade-offs and the importance of prioritizing spending
• Why showing real numbers makes the cost of living more tangible
• How earning their own money helps middle schoolers appreciate its value
• 
  

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
By involving your middle schooler in holiday planning and budgeting, you’re teaching them not only the value of money but also the importance of gratitude, intentionality, and resourcefulness - lessons that will stick with them far beyond the holiday season.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

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Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.