We teach our children about many things – some sensitive topics are even being taught at younger ages than ever. But while we can seemingly tackle the most controversial of subject matter with our children we still seem to be unable to talk about money – something that impacts us on a daily basis. Why – with so many seemingly more difficult subjects becoming the norm to discuss – is money still such a taboo?

I decided to take the stigma off of money with my own children and get right down to business as soon as they were old enough to understand even in the simplest of terms. It began early when they each had their own piggy bank and saved for small things that they wanted. I have tried to be as open as possible when it comes to money – something that was not talked about openly in my own home as I was growing up with my parents. Now that my oldest child is entering high school I am taking the discussion one step further by beginning to talk about financial responsibility and the impact of that on a credit report.

No one explained to me the importance of a credit report when I was her age. And while I know that it may not sink in the first couple of times, I will continue to have the conversation until she understands that actions have consequences; and I will do the same with my younger daughter when she is old enough.

In preparation for this conversation I have ordered free credit reports on my own behalf so that I can show her in detail what a credit report entails. I also plan on sharing stories from my younger years in college when poor decisions had an impact on my credit report for many years to follow.

It is my hope that addressing money openly will make it something that my daughters can manage with confidence.

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