The Three Money Emotions Every Kid Feels (And What to Do With Them)
- Tyler Lavoie
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
Did you know that children as young as three begin forming their earliest money emotions? Studies show that teaching emotional literacy around money can shape their financial behavior for life.
In this post, we’ll explore how three key emotions—excitement, frustration, and pride—show up in your child’s relationship with money and how you can guide them through each one. When kids understand their emotions, they learn to make better choices and build real confidence around money.
Understanding Money Emotions in Children
Most parents focus on teaching practical skills like saving or budgeting, but emotional literacy plays just as big a role. How a child feels about money influences what they do with it.
Why Emotional Literacy Matters
Emotional literacy means being able to recognize, express, and manage feelings. It helps kids build empathy, handle frustration, and understand how their choices affect others.
When children develop emotional literacy around money, they start connecting emotions to actions. That awareness helps them make smarter decisions, even in moments of excitement or disappointment.
1. Excitement: Understanding Wants and Needs
When it comes to money, excitement usually shows up as “I want that!” moments. A new toy, a candy bar, a game on the shelf—it’s all thrilling. Excitement is healthy, but without guidance, it can lead to impulse decisions.
How to Navigate Excitement:
Validate Their Feelings. Listen when they talk about what they want. Saying, “That looks really fun!” helps them feel understood.
Teach Patience. Use the moment to introduce saving. You could say, “Let’s write it down on your wish list and see if we still want it next week.”
Talk About Needs vs. Wants. Help them see that excitement isn’t bad—it just needs direction.
2. Frustration: Learning from Disappointment
Frustration shows up when kids can’t get what they want or when they face limits. These are tough moments, but they teach some of the most valuable lessons.
How to Handle Frustration:
Let Them Feel It. Tell them, “It’s okay to feel upset.” This shows that frustration is a normal emotion.
Problem-Solve Together. Ask, “What could we do to save for it?” Turning frustration into a plan builds resourcefulness.
Model Resilience. Share your own examples of waiting for something you wanted. Kids learn that patience pays off.
3. Pride: Celebrating Small Wins
Pride happens when your child reaches a goal—like saving enough for a toy or helping others through giving. It’s one of the most powerful motivators for positive habits.
How to Cultivate Pride:
Celebrate Progress. Say, “I’m proud of how you saved for that.” Acknowledgment reinforces effort.
Set Visible Goals. Create a savings tracker or jar so they can see their progress grow.
Share Stories. Tell them about times you felt proud of a smart money decision. It helps normalize the learning process.
Bringing It All Together
Each emotion—excitement, frustration, and pride—teaches something different. Together, they form the foundation for emotional and financial confidence.
How to Build an Emotional Framework at Home
Start Early. Even preschoolers connect feelings to choices.
Use Everyday Moments. Talk about emotions during shopping trips or when using allowance money.
Create a Safe Space. Encourage open conversation about feelings without judgment.
Tools and Resources to Support You
To make this easier, start with small activities that connect emotions and money.
The Financial Adventures of Colby Jack. A rhyming picture book that helps kids understand money choices through story and play.
Printable Trackers and Activity Kits. Turn emotional lessons into hands-on activities that make saving and sharing fun.
By helping your child recognize how they feel about money, you’re doing more than teaching math—you’re building wisdom that will guide them for life.
Start with one small conversation today.
