What will I learn about: why talking openly about money is the ultimate secret to raising generous, patient, and unspoiled children?

Discover why talking openly about money is the ultimate secret to raising generous, patient, and unspoiled children.

What will I learn about: handle awkward financial questions by first asking your child why they want to know, then sharing real bills to teach them money's true value?

Learn how to handle awkward financial questions by first asking your child why they want to know, then sharing real bills to teach them money's true value.

What will I learn about: why you should never tie a child's allowance to their chores, ensuring they learn that household responsibilities are shared duties rather than paid jobs?

Understand why you should never tie a child's allowance to their chores, ensuring they learn that household responsibilities are shared duties rather than paid jobs.

What will I learn about: why giving a small allowance as soon as your child can count—and letting them waste it on useless items—is a vital strategy for teaching practical budgeting?

Find out why giving a small allowance as soon as your child can count—and letting them waste it on useless items—is a vital strategy for teaching practical budgeting.

What will I learn about: the 'Dewey rule' to strike the perfect balance between helping your child fit in with peers and teaching them the value of waiting for material possessions?

Master the 'Dewey rule' to strike the perfect balance between helping your child fit in with peers and teaching them the value of waiting for material possessions.

The Opposite of Spoiled

Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money

Ron Lieber

★ 4.5 / 5(87 ratings)

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Categories:

Money & Investments Parenting

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡What's the secret to raising a child who is generous and grounded, even in a world obsessed with material things?
💡Have you ever wondered why being honest about your family's finances might actually be the best way to prevent your children from becoming spoiled?
💡Did you know that the way you handle your child’s allowance could be the most important tool for teaching them the difference between needs and wants?

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Key Takeaways from The Opposite of Spoiled

✓Discover why talking openly about money is the ultimate secret to raising generous, patient, and unspoiled children.
✓Learn how to handle awkward financial questions by first asking your child why they want to know, then sharing real bills to teach them money's true value.
✓Understand why you should never tie a child's allowance to their chores, ensuring they learn that household responsibilities are shared duties rather than paid jobs.
✓Find out why giving a small allowance as soon as your child can count—and letting them waste it on useless items—is a vital strategy for teaching practical budgeting.
✓Master the 'Dewey rule' to strike the perfect balance between helping your child fit in with peers and teaching them the value of waiting for material possessions.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from The Opposite of Spoiled

Mind Map

The Opposite of Spoiled

The Root of 'Spoiled' Behavior+

Open Financial Communication+

Allowances and Budgeting+

Curbing Materialism+

The Value of Work+

Generosity and Perspective+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8

According to the text, what is the primary reason today's children are often materialistic and spoiled?

A. Parents focus too heavily on the value of money during childhood.
B. Parents are too strict with allowances and financial rules.
C. Parents avoid talking about money and simply buy kids what they want.
D. Children are exposed to too many financial responsibilities at a young age.

Question 2 of 8

Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four basic qualities that spoiled children share?

A. They receive too much time and attention from their parents.
B. They possess too much personal wealth in their bank accounts.
C. They have practically no chores or responsibilities to others.
D. They do not have to follow rules or adhere to schedules.

Question 3 of 8

What is the recommended first response when your child asks a direct financial question, such as 'How much do you earn?'

A. Give them an exact figure immediately to build trust.
B. Ask them, 'Why do you want to know?' to understand their underlying concern.
C. Explain that discussing income is impolite and change the subject.
D. Give them a rough estimate but sugarcoat the reality to prevent anxiety.

Question 4 of 8

What rule does the author suggest parents follow regarding allowances and household chores?

A. Allowances should be directly tied to the completion of daily chores.
B. Allowances should only be given once a child is old enough to work a part-time job.
C. Allowances should never be based on chores, as chores are a shared household responsibility.
D. Allowances should be withheld if a child makes poor budgeting decisions.

Question 5 of 8

What is the purpose of the 'Dewey rule' mentioned in the book?

A. To ensure a child saves at least 30 percent of their weekly allowance.
B. To require children to spend 30 percent of their earnings on charitable donations.
C. To guarantee that a child receives 30 percent of the items on their wish list.
D. To limit a child's material possessions to the 30th percentile among peers, teaching them patience.

Question 6 of 8

Why is it beneficial for children to earn their own spending money through work, according to the text?

A. It allows parents to legally reduce their financial support sooner.
B. They are much less likely to waste money they have earned compared to money they were handed.
C. It ensures they will be able to afford a college education without loans.
D. It prevents them from asking uncomfortable questions about the family's wealth.

Question 7 of 8

How does the author suggest parents teach their children perspective about wealth and privilege?

A. By having honest conversations about the family's wealth and volunteering at local charities.
B. By sending them on international volunteer trips to build schools in developing nations.
C. By showing them documentaries about poverty instead of discussing the family's finances.
D. By completely cutting off their allowance so they understand what it feels like to have nothing.

Question 8 of 8

According to the actionable advice in the final summary, why should parents limit their child's TV time?

A. To encourage them to spend more time completing household chores.
B. To free up more time for them to work a part-time job.
C. To reduce their exposure to advertisements that drive the desire for material possessions.
D. To prevent them from comparing their family's lifestyle to fictional television families.

The Opposite of Spoiled — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Teach your kids about money to ensure they don’t grow up spoiled later.
3Answer your children’s money questions honestly and show them what things cost.
4Let your child practice with money to ensure they truly learn the importance of budgeting.
5Avoid raising materialistic children by making them wait for the things they want.
6Encourage your child to get a job so they can learn as they earn.
7Make sure your children know the importance of generosity and perspective.

The Opposite of Spoiled Summary & Overview

The Opposite of Spoiled (2015) is the essential guide to raising patient, generous children through financial education. These blinks will show you how to guide your child’s development by talking to them about money, involving them in financial decisions and showing them the importance of generosity and work.