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Green sometimes gets a bad wrap. It is often associated with nausea, envy, and jealousy. On St. Patrick’s Day, if you are not wearing green, you will get pinched! But green also has its positive side. Take cash, for instance. Having a lot of green is definitely a good thing.

Money is a huge part of our society, and there is so much to learn. Children need to be taught to spend wisely, distinguish between wants and needs, and use coupons, ads, and sales. They also need to learn how to save, and budget. Early life experience will prepare them for making financial decisions as adults.

With so much to teach, where do we begin? And how can we help our children to enjoy the process? Learning about money can, and should be, fun. Teaching concepts through games helps children to learn practical skills in a challenging and entertaining environment. The Washington Department of Financial Institutions has compiled a list of financial education websites with games for children of all ages. TheMint.org also has compiled information for children about earning, saving, spending, and giving.

Along with games, children need to see money in action. Allowing children to take an active role in figuring and maintaining a household budget will help them to understand the value of money, saving, and using a budget. If they earn money, encourage them to keep their own budget. A child’s budget form is available at womens-finance.com.

Knowledge of money is a necessity. So give green, green knowledge that is. Help the learning process to be fun and exciting through games and challenges and by giving opportunities to see how money works in real life.

Springtime brings warmer weather, blue skies, and the itch to get outside and play! According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 20 percent of our nation’s youth are overweight, which means that being physically active is more important than ever. Outdoor activities don’t have to be expensive. Here are some great ways to get your kids (and you!) active and on-the-move.

• Walk to school or work. If you live close enough, save on the gas, and walk or ride your bike to school, work, errands, wherever! Just don’t forget the helmet if you bike.
• Visit the park. No matter your children’s ages, there is always something to do at the park. Play on the playground, roll around on the grass, or start a pick-up game of kickball or basketball.
• Walk the dog. The canines in your life are anxious to get moving in the nice weather too!
• Play a game. Check out this Kid Power website. It has a long list of indoor or outdoor activities to get your family on the move. Try some of these takes on your favorite games.
• Play inside. For those wet spring days, find an indoor play area. Indoor rock climbing or trampoline facilities are popping up everywhere. Find one close to you.
• Make a craft. Even if your family doesn’t participate in a physical activity, enjoy some great family time and create a springtime craft. The Highlights website has a list of great ideas.

Most of all, enjoy your family and get active this spring!