I'm actively trying to teach my daughter these three topics. Would you add anything?
Topic #1: Money doesn't grow on trees
Have you ever asked a child "where does money come from?" My kids have given some comical answers. They've spouted answers like "the bank" or "we don't need money to buy groceries." (We typically use our credit cards and not actual cash, which confuses them)
Helping my daughter understand that money comes from hard work is important. I want her to realize we have money to buy groceries and go on fun vacations because we work hard, not because the bank just gives it to us. And if she wants to buy things, she needs to work hard too.
Topic #2: Some things cost a lot of money and you need to save for it
You can't just have everything you want. Admittedly, my wife is much better at saying "no" than I am when my kids see a cool new toy at the store. But kids have to understand that they need to earn AND save money to get something.
If a new toy costs $20, they need to complete their chores (or maybe do a few more lemonade stands) to save the money to buy that toy. It teaches them prioritization and patience, in addition to a critical financial principle.
Topic #3: The importance of giving
The concept of giving may seem like an early topic to introduce to my 8-year-old. But I think it's important.
I want her to deeply understand that we are simply stewards of this money and are called to bless others with it. I want her to actively seek out opportunities to give money to others who need it more. And I want her to understand that as a household we do that too.
What key money lessons are you trying to teach your kids?