Advice from kids on how to raise kids? To many parents, the proposition seems ludicrous. Adults assume kids advice on this topic is limited to later bedtimes and all-you-can-eat ice cream. The mistake, of course, is making assumptions in the first place. Children have some pretty interesting and useful insight into raising successful children.

Children Offer Insight Into Raising Successful Children

The advice you get is going to depend on the child and age but how researchers, mentors, and others phrased their questions helped yield information you can use in your life.

Kids Advice on Divorce

When addressing a topic like divorce, it suddenly makes a lot of sense to ask for kids’ advice. From a young age, children can become sensitive to the issues in a marriage. Even if a couple isn’t not actively fighting or raising their voices, kids can tell. One of the more amazing pieces of advice that parents everywhere can learn comes to us from a teenager whose parents divorced when he was much younger, “Treat your kids like they’re capable of understanding and they will be.”

How To Be A Good Dad

Sometimes comedy creates something more important than just a laugh. Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel learned this when he asked for advice from a six-year old on what he needs to do to be a good dad. The girl’s advice, while funny and largely focused on changing diapers, is also shockingly prescient. When asked whether babies are dumb, she replied, “Babies don’t know any better. No, they’re not dumb… It’s just what grownups have to do.” Okay, that might not make complete sense but it does if you watch the video. To summarize, a good dad is one that does what’s necessary for their child.

Financial Advice from Kids

While financial advice doesn’t necessarily fall under the “parenting” label, money issues are the primary cause of stress in American households. As a result, how the family finances are being managed has a significant impact on children and their well being. At Lemonade Day, we know first hand the ability of children to grasp financial concepts. To prove this point, check out the video below:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMOMp6sUncY[/youtube]

For those of you at work or unable to watch videos, here’s a quick transcript.

Interviewer: “What is the most important thing to do with your money?”

Girl: “Save it!”

Interviewer: “Why do you want to save it?”

Girl: “So then you can do more stuff.”

A financial advisor couldn’t make the importance of saving any more clear. If only more people understood this for their own sake.