Take the envy or embarrassment seriously, and don’t run the other family down to make it better.
A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 7 to 16.
Where to start
Name the feeling without arguing with it: “It’s fine to wish we had one.”
Say something true about your own family, and don’t run the other family down.
Ask why some families spend on holidays and some on other things.
If a change in your child’s mood or behaviour lasts for several weeks, gets worse, or begins to affect sleep, eating or school, talk to their school and your GP.
The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.
Sources
YoungMinds, Money and mental health (reviewed May 2026); MoneyHelper, How to talk to your children about money
It goes with
When Money Is Tight.For parents whose family is under financial strain, and for any parent wondering how much to tell a child about money.
The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.
Free on this subject
Money worries.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Friendships.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.