Take your children on a journey with Ollie the owl through six key financial lessons at home or in school with Bank of Ireland’s new programme

Sponsored by Bank Of Ireland

When it comes to teaching our children lessons, we start with the basics about right and wrong, manners, health and wellbeing, etc. But when do we start thinking about their money skills? Often, we are quick to talk about the tools for day to day life but we forget just how vital it is to be skilled when it comes to managing your daily finances as well.

There is no doubt that having a firm understanding of money is an important life skill. And for parents, it’s reassuring to know that their child is equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to their money.

That’s why Bank of Ireland is making a commitment to improve the Financial Wellbeing of children aged from seven to twelve in over 3,000 primary schools nationwide.

This will be done through Bank of Ireland’s newly-developed Youth Financial Wellbeing programme, which aims to introduce children to the basics of financial wellbeing, setting them up with good money habits they can take with them through life.

You might think you started to develop your financial skills much later in life but a recent survey has shown that children actually start developing money habits from the age of 7-years old.

Bank of Ireland wants to enable children of all ages to start thinking about and understanding all things money related, so that they can take charge of their own financial future with confidence.

At home

And to help continue basic financial education at home, Bank of Ireland has also created a handy practical guide for parents.

The programme is told through the guise of Ollie the owl, who is just beginning his own journey of discovery about money. It has age appropriate material and includes play activities to guide your conversations about saving, spending, planning and managing money well.

In the classroom

Additionally, Bank of Ireland has a school programme available free to every primary school in Ireland. The programme is aimed at children in 1^st to 6^th classes. In the schools programme, children will follow the hero of the story – Ollie the owl – on his journey through six key easy-to-follow money lessons.

Each lesson is divided into stories, activities and interesting facts, so that children have opportunities to discuss, reflect and learn.  Teachers and parents can register for this free primary school programme by going to website: boi.com/ollietheowl. The school will then receive their printed programme pack which they can use throughout the school year.

Lifetime value

Encouraging children to develop healthy habits when it comes to their finances is something they will value and see the return from well beyond their school years and into adulthood.

Bank of Ireland understands this and that’s why they, along with Ollie the owl, want to help. So if you or someone you know wants to start helping their children with financial lessons today, head over to boi.com/ollietheowl today to get started!

Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.