Moms Talk: Kids and Money

The last few years have put money matters front and center in our country, and in our homes.

In this recession, families have had to forgo extras that the children once took for granted as part of life. Plane trips to Disney World gave way to day trips to Kalahari. Instead of buying new video games, parents are either renting them or only buying them as Christmas and birthday presents. The pile of presents under the Christmas tree may be smaller the past few years.

And that may be some of the better scenarios.

Teens'college prospects may be narrowed as parents are unable to afford to pay as much towards college.

Children have also had to live with more stress in households where a parent has lost a job, a parent's job is in jeopardy, or the family home is in danger of being lost to foreclosure.

Have you found yourself having to tell your child "no" because you can't afford what they want, or you can't justify the expense? How do you talk to your children about money, or do you? How do you handle spending and allowances? 

What do you think are key things a child should know anout money, spending, budgeting, saving and investing? If you were going to design a class about money for children and/or teens, what would you include?

Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Joining us, as always, is our fantastic Moms Council.

 is our parenting columnist. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in November.

 works in healthcare. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 5 and under with her husband, Bill. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

 is president of Avon Early Childhood PTA. She will also be blogging for Avon Patch. If you're a parent and want to share your experiences raising children in Avon, you, too, can .