How do you make money?

We were about to go to the seaside for an afternoon and were planning on going in the arcades so my son was counting out all his 2ps for the 2p slots. He spent ages looking for the 2ps amongst all his other change and then he asked me…

“How do you make money?”

This was great…I loved nothing more than a question where I could finally give a good answer. It was time for me to impart some of my wisdom (not that I am rolling in money but I like to think I have some financial knowledge). I launched into what I believed to be an inspirational speech about how you should find something you really enjoy doing and try to make money out of it. I explained how some people invent things, others write books, act in movies, or work in offices. When you do that work, you earn money. That is how you make money.

I was super proud of my answer. Super proud. My answer was inspiring, detailed, and (in my opinion) exactly what he needed to hear but when I looked up my son was looking at me funny and said….

“Nooooooooo……How do you make money?”

And that’s when it hit me…..he didn’t mean earning money as an adult. He was asking about the actual process of how money is made.

My son takes things at face value, often asking questions that demand precise and factual answers. His literal thinking has led to some truly memorable moments that highlight how he interprets the world in his unique way. For example, I had written about how he struggled to understand phrases such as “ants in your pants” in this blog It’s Raining Tacos – Roblox so I should have realised this would extend to questions too. Moments like these remind me that his way of thinking is rooted in curiosity and logic, even if it takes me by surprise. Just like that day, his question about money reminded me to slow down and think carefully about how he processes the world around him. Just like that day, his question about money reminded me to slow down and think carefully about how he processes the world around him. His literal thinking on this occasion led us to explore how coins are made by The Royal Mint, how banknotes are printed, and whether they can be ripped, something he was extremely interested in.

And once again I was reminded of how he interprets the world. His literal questions often lead us on unexpected paths, and they teach me to meet him where he is, rather than where I assume he’s going.

The next time he asks me a big question, I’ll try to pause and think before I dive into a grand speech…..even if it was a great speech. After all, it’s only a matter of time before he asks me to “cash in” on another teachable moment! I just hope I don’t end up short-changed again!