I know we parents may be “burning the midnight oil” to get our income taxes ready before Friday.

As you are focusing on money the next few days, there are some very simple ways that you can introduce the concept of money to your young child. Here are some ideas I’d like to share with you from lessons I have taught in the early childhood classroom. Keep in mind; young children’s minds are like sponges as they learn concepts. It amazes me how children as young as 2 are ready to count and to learn the concept of money.

Parents, it is so easy very easy to integrate lessons about money during your normal day, going to the bank to write a check, or using a debit card or ATM card. Our local banks are so very child-friendly when they see a kid in the car or if you bring a young child in with you to the bank. Lollipops are an expected treat for your child as they patiently wait on you to do a transaction.

Sorting of shapes, sizes and colors is a readiness developmental step in the life of a young child. Young children can sort coins by color, size and pictures on the coins. One of the hardest concepts I have in teaching young children is that the size of a coin doesn’t mean that it is worth more. For example, a nickel isn’t worth more than a dime even though the dime is smaller. Teaching the worth of a coin can be taught later. The introduction of paper money can be made in time, after you establish its relationship to coins.

In the home living area of an early-childhood classroom, I like to set up a pretend store where the children can simulate purchasing items. You can do this at home, too. Place prices on toys, and then do a “pretend buy,” counting out the money necessary to buy the toy.

Give your young child a piggy bank to save money in. Use a clear container so it is easy for your child to see how many coins they have. Teaching the concept of saving money early in a child’s life is good money management.

Learning about money can be a fun adventure!

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.