Some parents have the time to take their children to the grocery store and do all of those things, but some parents don't. Therefore, they would much rather spend their free time enjoying activities that everyone in the family(spouses included)can enjoy. Also if you have younger ones, this idea doesn't seem feasible. This book is helpful because it gives those parents with hectic schedules(especially those that have hired housekeepers to assist them) MORE options so they can raise fiscally responsible children also.

The book is clearly geared toward middle, upper middle class and super wealthy parents (hence the title), but certain problems are universal and the author offers sound advice for everyone.

You do not *need* to give your children an allowance to teach them how to handle money. Really. The author's position is that you simply have to--and it makes you wonder if she also thinks it is okay to experiment with drugs in order to learn how to use them the "right" way. Just as you can educate children about the dangers of drugs without giving them any, you can also educate children about how to spend money wisely. One way is to take them grocery shopping with you, for example, and let them help you with calculating the best values for the money you have.

Others have said this book is good for those with middle class incomes. I disagree. If there will be any possible future scenario where your child will have to work for a living in any capacity, they need to know that money is NOT just handed to them, and that money belongs to the person who earned it (and the spouse, in community property states), NOT the children. This means that children need to learn that some things you do without compensation as being part of the family (chores), and other things you do in exchange for money (outside jobs or special jobs around the house) or something else (bartering). In real life, money is not just handed to you, unless you're on welfare. Someone has/had to earn that money at some point in time, and just handing money to someone will never educate them as to how to actually earn it.

This book might be okay for someone looking to leave their child a huge trust fund, where he or she just lives off the interest, but not for people trying to help their children truly make their own way in life.

I work in the field of philanthropy have hosted many workshops on issues of children and money. The four hours I spent reading this book were the most educational and fruitful four hours I have ever spent on issues of how to raise children!! Whether your family is middle class or affluent, you will benefit from this book. In my opinion, the lessons offered by the Gallos on values and raising children go far beyond issues of money. I believe it is really a guide to raising well rounded and socially responsible children. I know I will return again and again to the chapters in this book both personally and professionally. Buy this book and read it!!

Silver Spoon Kids offers practical, hands-on tips for parents raising kids. Financial issues can be difficult to address and this book offers guidelines to meet just those needs. One need not be an expert in the field to grasp the concepts presented - they are perfect for all to understand and utilize. This book is a great resource and will be helpful to many.