Turn this lesson into a fun activity with some hot chocolate and a money chat.
Ingredients:
- Hot chocolate supplies: milk, cocoa powder, marshmallows, whipped cream and any other toppings your family enjoys
- Your little grownups
- A cosy spot to enjoy your hot chocolate and have a money chat
Activity:
1. Collect your hot chocolate ingredients. Have your kids list out the ingredients for your homemade hot chocolate and grab them from the pantry. Heat up your milk in a saucepan and whisk in your cocoa powder. 2. Research the cost of ingredients. Have your kids use a supermarket catalogue or website to research the cost of each item. Then, ask them to guess how much a hot chocolate would cost from your local cafe. They might already know the answer (we know of a few Kit kids who love to tap their prepaid card for a hot choccie), or they might need your help landing on a price. It’s time to turn up the heat on your hot chocolate mixture and stir until it is all combined. If you want an extra chocolatey treat, melt in a few chocolate chips now!
3. Break down the cafe cost. In most instances, making your hot drink at home will be cheaper than buying one out. Before you explain why that is, encourage your kids to share their ideas. Discuss how when we buy a treat from a cafe, we’re not just paying for the ingredients. We’re also covering the cafe’s rent, the workers’ wages, electricity bills and other overhead costs. Fill your mugs with that hot chocolate goodness, serve with your favourite toppings and enjoy.
As you devour your hot chocolates, remember the true cost behind them. See if your little grownups can apply this same thinking to other items they buy with their hard-earned pocket money. Ask them to share their thoughts on why the treats they love cost the price they do. Understanding the true cost and value of the things we buy can help our kids build important money smarts they can use for life.
Read the T&Cs, FSG, PDS and TMD at heykit.com.au/legal and consider if Kit is right for you. Issued by Hay Limited. Fees and charges may apply. Any advice given is general in nature.
