More parents than ever are sending their teenagers to shopping malls and movie theaters with a piece of plastic instead of pocket change. Card issuers are making it easy by offering kids as young as 13 credit cards and prepaid debit cards. Set a tone of confidence, openness and trust.
Laughter always helps.
Lighten the mood with a joke. Make it an equal exchange, not a lecture. Ask plenty of questions and listen carefully to the answers. Don't talk down. Don't bring up old financial disagreements you may have had with your children.