Experts warn telling kids ‘we can’t afford it’ may fuel lifelong money stress. A wording change helps

Core Insights - The phrase "Sorry, we can't afford it" can negatively impact children's financial beliefs and attitudes towards money [3][4] - Financial psychologists suggest that this language can lead to financial anxiety and unhealthy money behaviors in adulthood [3][6] Group 1: Impact on Children's Financial Beliefs - Children form core beliefs about money before the age of seven, and negative phrases can frame money as scarce and stressful [3] - Repeated exposure to restrictive language may contribute to feelings of financial anxiety and shame around spending later in life [3][6] Group 2: Alternative Approaches - Instead of saying "we can't afford it," parents are encouraged to explain their spending choices to foster a healthier understanding of money [4] - This approach helps children develop a values-based perspective on financial decisions, potentially preventing overspending in adulthood [4][5]