How to use this book

How to use this step by step book

This book has been designed to help parents who have limited or great financial literacy skills, to be able to teach your children how money works.

We want your children to be taught to be financially intelligent by you early in life so they move from childhood into adulthood realising that they are responsible for their own financial independence. They will thank you for it when they are grown up and have their own children.

This step by step guide book is designed in the following format.


Then follows an explanation of why Silbo wants you and your child to learn this particular lesson. The idea behind using Silbo the Squirrel as the teacher, is if things get a little heated because of changes you want to make, you can say “Silbo Says”. We don’t mind if your children get cross at Silbo instead of you. We suggest you read through all the Silbo sayings to give yourself an overview of what each lesson contains.

The next page is the step by step “how to” teach what “Silbo says”.

It provides questions to ask and activities to do which will provide a basis for informing your children how to become financially intelligent.

If you read through each lesson yourself, and you don’t get around to sitting down with your child and actually completing the book – don’t worry. You know your child best, a lot can be learned by asking questions at the dinner table or in the car. Sometimes the best way for a child to learn is when they think they are not learning. Some children love reading and writing whereas some children will run a mile as soon they think they have to fill in a book. You just need to tap into what makes your child ‘tick” and find the best learning style for him or her.

Please get some professional help if you are struggling with debt. In New Zealand, the Federation of Family Budgeting Services provides help at no cost to you in a practical way. Take your child with you if it is possible. They will learn a lot. For a list of services in New Zealand go to the following website www.familybudgeting.org.nz or consult your local telephone book. If you dont live in New Zealand, dont dispair, most countries have similar services where you can get expert help, it may be that you just have to ask someone.
I am happiest when I find out that what I teach makes a positive difference in someone’s life. Please email me and tell me any stories of how this teaching has influenced you or your family’s life.
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