The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money

Introducing an acclaimed New York Times Bestseller!

"In our quest to raise children with strong values, we often overlook the crucial aspect of discussing money with them... From handling the whimsical tooth fairy to imparting lessons on allowance, chores, charity, checking accounts, and part-time jobs, this captivating and essential book is a must-read for all parents." — Gretchen Rubin, renowned author of "The Happiness Project"

In the vein of Wendy Mogel's "The Blessing of a Skinned Knee" and Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman's "Nurture Shock," Ron Lieber, the esteemed "Your Money" columnist for the New York Times, presents a transformative manifesto that breaks the taboo surrounding conversations about money. Discover how open and honest discussions about finances with your children can provide them with the tools to become modest, patient, and grounded young adults with exceptional financial wisdom.

For Ron Lieber, a father and expert in personal finance, effective parenting requires addressing money matters with our kids. Children possess a heightened awareness of money, and they often harbor countless questions about its intricacies. Yet, when parents avoid broaching the topic, they miss a vital opportunity—not only to model the fundamental financial behaviors crucial for young adults but also to instill lessons that reflect the true values of the family.

Written in an inviting and accessible tone, grounded in real-life experiences and stories from families of diverse incomes, "The Opposite of Spoiled" serves as both a practical guidebook and a values-based philosophy. At its core lies a comprehensive blueprint outlining the most effective approaches to address various financial aspects, including the tooth fairy, allowance, chores, charity, savings, birthdays, holidays, cell phones, checking accounts, clothing, cars, part-time jobs, and even college tuition. It identifies a set of virtues that epitomize the opposite of being spoiled and reveals how embracing the subject of money can assist parents in raising children who are genuinely generous and less materialistic.

Moreover, "The Opposite of Spoiled" holds the promise that we, as parents, will equip our children with superior financial skills compared to what we possess. It is a beacon of hope for those parents who are aware of the transformative power of honest money conversations with their inquisitive children but are unsure of how or when to initiate them.