Why I Teach Kids About Money, Creativity, and Confidence
- Mara Williams
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
by Mara Williams, Author & Financial Literacy Coach
Hi, I’m Mara Williams,
author of The Little Books of Big Business and creator of Let’s Play Money — a fun, story-based learning system that helps kids build creativity, confidence, and financial literacy through play.
Parents sometimes ask,
“Are these books and packets just for fun? Are families really looking for this kind of learning?”
And honestly, I get it. Between school, sports, and the daily rush of family life, topics like financial literacy or future job skills can sound like “someday” conversations.
But as a mom of two grown kids — now in their late twenties — I’ve seen how quickly the avalanche of money decisions hits. From first jobs and rent to student loans and credit cards, young adults are expected to manage money and make big life choices, often without ever being taught how.
As I tuned into this topic, it really hit me:
We can’t wait until high school to teach kids about money, creativity, and decision-making. These lessons belong in childhood — when learning still feels like play.
1. Future Skills: Teaching Kids About Money and Creativity for the Future
Today’s world is full of iPads, click-to-purchase shopping, and AI tools that will shape every industry. Kids need more than facts — they need the skills kids will need for future jobs: creativity, adaptability, and confidence in trying new ideas.
Through my books and Let’s Play Money activities, I help kids think like entrepreneurs — exploring ideas, taking small risks, and learning from both success and mistakes. These are the same skills that will prepare them for any future: robotics, art, business, or something the world hasn’t invented yet.
“While technology changes, human creativity will always be our greatest competitive edge.”
2. Financial Confidence: Why Teaching Kids About Money and Creativity Starts Early
Financial literacy isn’t just about dollars — it’s about decision-making, confidence, and independence. The financial literacy lessons for elementary school I’ve designed give kids real-world practice with earning, saving, spending, and giving.
When kids roll coins, run pretend lemonade stands, or read about Cat Casey Turns Brownies Into a Business, they’re doing more than playing —they’re learning how money works, how effort turns into income, and how choices create outcomes.
Every activity and story aligns with national financial literacy standards — but it never feels like homework. Parents tell me it helps their kids see money not as something stressful, but as something manageable and meaningful.
3. Stories, Values & Character: Teaching Kids About Money and Creativity Through Story
I’ve always believed that stories are how kids learn who they are and what they’re capable of. That’s why I write stories that teach life lessons — about kindness, creativity, and courage.
Each book in The Little Books of Big Business features a kid entrepreneur turning imagination into action: brownies, pets, paperwork, art — even farmers-market booths. These stories show that kids can be creators and problem-solvers, and that reading together builds both confidence and connection.
“Reading isn’t just entertainment — it’s how families pass on values, ideas, and inspiration.”
Raising Future-Ready Families
My goal is simple: to help families build three lifelong capacities early —
Future skills and creativity — the skills kids will need for future jobs.
Financial confidence — financial literacy lessons for elementary school kids that stick.
Character and values — stories that teach life lessons through heart and imagination.
When kids learn how to think, create, and make smart choices, they’re not just prepared for success —they’re prepared for life.
🎧 Join the Conversation
You can explore all of this work through:
Real conversations about raising financially confident kids.
📺 Two YouTube Channels
One for parents and one for kids — filled with read-alouds, creative challenges, and learning fun.
Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky
Behind-the-scenes updates, book news, and family-friendly money tips you can use right away.
Final Thought
The world our kids will grow up in is unpredictable, but one thing never changes: creativity, confidence, and character always win. By teaching kids about money and creativity early, we’re raising problem-solvers who won’t just face the future — they’ll shape it.
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