Financial education begins at home, and experts are urging UAE parents to move past the traditional taboo of discussing money with their children. During a recent online workshop held in partnership with the wellbeing platform Siira, professionals emphasized that children are perceptive observers who pick up on their parents’ financial habits and anxieties long before they earn their own income. By keeping money matters behind closed doors, parents risk losing their role as primary mentors, leaving children to form their own, often misguided, perceptions about wealth and security.

To bridge this gap, experts suggest that parents identify their own "money personality"—whether they are Protectors, Spenders, or Builders—to ensure their personal biases don't negatively impact their child's development. Practical, age-appropriate strategies can make a significant difference; for instance, younger children can learn through a three-bucket system for saving and spending, while teenagers benefit from digital tracking tools that provide real-world experience. Ultimately, the goal is to normalize these conversations through simple, consistent discussions, helping children understand the value of delayed gratification and informed decision-making before they enter adulthood.