One great thing to do with your kids is use real-life money situations and your world as your classroom. Think of a trip to the grocery store as a field trip.

Most working parents devote at least part of our days off to household chores and running errands -- those little stops to pick up cleaning, get film developed, fill prescriptions, buy tools, etc. Errand time is an excellent way to be with your children. If you have more than one child, having them take turns going with you makes each one feel special.

Whatever the chore, take time to explain why and what it is you’re doing. Here are several things you can do which are fun, easy, reinforce good consumer buying habits and teach comparative shopping.

These are best suited for grocery or drug stores, but adapt to most retail outlets.

Using Coupons

Kids, especially the younger ones, are interested in those ubiquitous color fliers which come with the Sunday newspaper. You can also find coupons on the Internet at such sites as coupons.com. Give kids the responsibility of clipping out (or printing out) coupons using these guidelines:
 

• The item needs to be something the family uses or, if a new item, will try. Clipping a coupon for dog food when you have goldfish is not useful.
  
  
• Stick with food items you use regularly. The notion of saving money on food purchases helps engender an understanding of the cost of feeding a family.
  
  
• Sort the coupons alphabetically, by food group, by expiration date or any useful method. This will reinforce skills your children are learning in school.

When you get to the store have the children involved in making decisions about using the coupon. With some items, using a coupon is not a good bargain when compared to items which are “on special” at the store.

Example: You have a coupon for 75 cents off a 64-ounce bottle of V8 Tomato Juice. The price is $2.19. This week, the store is offering a half gallon of 100% cranberry juice for $1.59. Have the children calculate which is the best buy. You, as parent, will be the decision maker on which item to purchase.

The children need to keep track of the coupons used and the savings on a “worksheet” to submit in order to get paid. For younger children who have not learned math skills, establish a set amount per coupon to use as their reward.

Next: More Comparison Shopping Games