There is a great article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal about talking to your kids about money. No link available, as I can't find it in the online content. Look for the December 17 paper edition. One of my favorite ideas -- when eating out, offer your kids this choice: they can either have a soda, or they can have a dollar. You might be surprised at how often they will take the money and be happy with drinking water. The author describes this as a financial lesson, but it also works as a healthy choice!