Parents are often frightened to talk to their kids about money. In fact kids need to understand how to save and manage their money. Proper preparation for your children, even at a young age, can start them down the path of a successful financial life. 【小题1】

Talk early and often.

Children start learning about money long before their first savings account, job or credit card.

【小题2】 Avoiding the subject until your child needs a bank account can make the conversation confusing.

Everyday activities are teachable moments.

【小题3】 An ATM stop offers a chance to explain that money doesn’t actually come from a machine. You can discuss earned income，investment (投资) returns and even inheritance. Opening bills is a chance to talk about payment for services, credit card debt and interest rates. Children need to be taught about debt, specifically loans and credit cards.

Talk about giving.

Children should learn that money doesn’t always need to be used for them. 【小题4】 Don’t just write the charitable check. Get the kids involved in the process by asking them to pick and check charities.

Websites like www. charitynavigator. org and www. guide. star. org provide information and ratings.

【小题5】

If they open a savings account, they can place their savings in the bank to earn a small amount of interest. Besides, they can learn about fees, account maintenance (维护) and even interest. It can provide a motivation (动机) for them to save money. You can offer them a prize if they put the money into savings.

“I was really scared at first, then it was kind of fun. Then, when more earthquakes happened, I didn’t think it would ever stop. I wanted to sleep with my Mom and Dad. I only felt safe in a room with a table to hide under,” said San Jose, age 9. Your child may appear to be acting well immediately following an earthquake and then suddenly turn shocked over a small aftershock ( 余震 ) two months later. Children react a little slowly to shocks, so it may be months before any of these feelings are expressed to others. The following are common behaviours, which can be seen in children after an earthquake. Along with them, there are some suggestions for ways that you can support them.

After an earthquake, a child may refuse to talk with others.

Suggestions: Try to get your children to do such activities as drawing or playing with pets together. Talk about what you are feeling or how you might feel in their situation.

Some children may be angry after an earthquake.

Suggestions: The behaviour results from their feeling helpless or hurt inside. It is a try for them to feel stronger. Do not blame the child in front of others. Talk to them about your experiences with loss and anger.

Some children may become depressed after an earthquake.

Suggestions: Their eating or sleeping habits may change. Their behaviour may be less active. Depression can even happen many months after the earthquake. It is very important to address the children’s needs in time, like some food, clothes and friends. Don’t talk about shocking news with them.

Actions speak louder than words to children, so share your tears, anger, and helplessness openly with them.

Strategies to Help Build Self-Regulation Skills

Self-regulation is the ability that helps us to control our behaviors to make good decisions for the long-term, rather than just doing what we want in the moment.【小题1】The good news is that kids can learn to improve their self-regulation.

Discuss scenarios（场景）. Talk about real-life incidents that encourage learners to stop and think about managing their behaviors. You might say, "Someone is kicking the back of your chair during a test and it's really annoying you. What do you do?" Have students talk in small groups or partners.【小题2】Using scenarios can help students train their brains for how to think through problems as they happen.

Set self-reflection time. Every student needs to work on different things. Some concentrate on grades, while others focus more on behavior or attendance. Set self-reflection time and meet weekly with students. Discuss progress made, challenges, and next steps for the future.【小题3】This can slowly help them develop the ability to self-reflect and self-regulate in the future.

【小题4】Design an area in the room for students to go who need a few minutes to themselves. It's important to teach that the area is a place to self- regulate and get in control of emotions so we can return to our normal days. Tell students that it's normal and healthy to need a break once in a while.

Use literature. Picture books are a great way to introduce and discuss self-regulation skills at all levels. Even my middle schoolers loved when I got the picture books out for a read-aloud! With whatever books you choose, make sure to highlight the self-regulation skills the characters use.【小题5】