But how do you know what your values are? Have you ever thought about them? Have you ever put them in words? This following little quiz might help clarify the issues. Don’t worry—there are no failing grades or scoring system. Just be honest with your answers. The function of this quiz is simply to open your eyes to exactly what you value in relation to money matters. Values are defined by certain concepts you stand behind. Unfortunately, some people’s values are viewed as negative by most other people. Here’s a list of words for values—positive and negative—associated with money. Ask yourself which words you stand behind and want your children to follow: Children who won’t share their toys in kindergarten or who cheat on their sixth-grade math quiz are displaying negative values (selfishness and dishonesty). A teenager who takes out the garbage regularly without being reminded, or the middle-schooler who brings to the school office the backpack left in the lunchroom are displaying positive values (responsibility and honesty). Values aren’t only used in how your kid behaves in school or at home, though; they play a key role in how your child deals with money now and for the rest of her life.
