Winter Break Gaming? Make It a Win for Financial Literacy
Winter break brings a welcome pause from the school routine and, for most kids, a big jump in screen time. With more than 80% of children ages 5–18 playing online games, chances are your child is spending at least some of that downtime in a virtual world. And while many games are free or inexpensive to start, the real costs often show up later in the form of power-ups, loot boxes, and character upgrades.
That’s where things can get tricky. A surprising number of parents have discovered unexpected charges tied to in-game purchases – proof that even small clicks can add up fast. But those moments don’t have to be stressful. In fact, they’re perfect opportunities to teach kids lifelong money skills in a place they already love: their games.
Here are five simple ways to help your child make smarter choices online and in real life.
1. Make Money Part of the Game
When you ask your kids about what they’re playing, make money part of the conversation. Talk about which features are free and which require payment, and why. It’s never too early to start.
Elementary-aged kids can begin understanding the basics of saving and spending within their games. As they get older, middle and high schoolers can take more responsibility, maybe even linking purchases to their own allowance or a monitored bank account.
By connecting game spending to real-world choices, you’re teaching that every tap of the “buy” button comes with a tradeoff.
2. Use In-Game Currency to Teach About Real Money
Many games use virtual currency like coins, tokens, or points that make it easy to forget real money is involved. Try bridging that gap.
Ask questions like, “If that upgrade costs 500 coins, what would that be in dollars?” or “If you spend those coins now, what will you have left for later?”
Turning virtual currency into a budgeting exercise helps kids understand that digital spending is still real spending. You might even set up a “game allowance,” a small monthly budget they can use however they choose, learning to prioritize along the way.
3. Teach Smart Online Safety Habits
As kids grow more independent online, it’s important they recognize red flags. Talk about never sharing personal information like passwords, PINs, or credit card details, even inside a game.
You can also set up device protections: enable parental controls, require approval before purchases, and set spending alerts. These settings don’t just prevent accidents—they reinforce trust and help your child build safe online habits.
4. Set Shared Goals for Digital Spending
Turn digital spending into a family learning opportunity.
Maybe your child wants a new game skin or expansion pack. Instead of an immediate yes (or no), set a shared goal. Can they earn part of the cost through chores or good grades?
When kids contribute, they gain a sense of ownership and responsibility. It transforms spending into saving — and makes their purchase a reward for effort, not just impulse.
5. Use Apps Like LINQ Connect to Teach Real-World Money Skills
Outside the gaming world, real-life apps like LINQ Connect help kids understand the value of a dollar in everyday life.
With LINQ Connect, families can fund meal accounts, make spending decisions, and even set limits, all in one secure place. Parents can look at LINQ Connect with their kids to plan for the week and teach them about making spending choices, budgeting for weekly or monthly payments and determining the best ways to spend. These real-world implications will translate into other decisions they may make online and with other budgets.
It’s a safe, hands-on way to show that every dollar counts, and that thoughtful choices go a long way.