Teach Them to Look

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla discuss the importance of teaching children awareness—helping them notice their environment and take responsibility for what needs to be done. Inspired by parenting coach Hope Sydell’s methods, the hosts explore practical ways to foster mindfulness and proactive behavior in kids, all while keeping household tasks manageable for busy parents.

Key Points Discussed:

– Teaching Awareness through Noticing: Charla shares Hope Seidel’s parenting tip that focuses on teaching children to notice their environment. Instead of using chore charts, parents can ask kids to observe what’s out of place, such as before bedtime or after dinner. This approach encourages children to think for themselves rather than simply follow instructions, building independence and responsibility.

– Practical Application: Matt and Charla highlight real-life scenarios where this technique can be used. For instance, before bedtime, children can be asked, “What looks dirty in this room?” or “What is out of place?” This not only helps keep the home tidy but also teaches kids to apply mindfulness and take action.

– Planning Ahead: The discussion also includes teaching kids to think about future needs, such as preparing for a long car ride. Charla emphasizes the importance of helping children imagine their future situations and identify what they’ll need, whether it’s electronics, snacks, or other essentials.

– Responsibility and Consequences: Matt adds a practical tip when children don’t cooperate with these strategies, parents can enforce consequences like limiting technology time or withholding other privileges until the task is completed. This ensures children understand the importance of pulling their weight in family responsibilities.

Call to Action:

1. Download the printable resource from the show notes or blog to guide your own kids through these mindfulness exercises.


2. Reflect on how you balance responsibilities and privileges in your household, using tools like allowance management or chore time.


3. Implement a system that works for your family, focusing on awareness, responsibility, and natural consequences.

Connect With Us:

– Read more on Charla’s blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Weekly Email](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Explore our products that help children understand real-world money management: [Beyond Personal Finance Products](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

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