Parents struggling with how to teach their children about money have a new resource: 'From Allowance to Independence,' a book by Christine Donavan, a parent coach certified through the Parent Coaching Institute (PCI). The book, written with Certified Financial Planner Dylan Martin, applies the effective system from Donavan's previous book, Let, Lift, & Listen: A Timeless Framework for Effective, Guilt-Free Parenting of all Ages and Stages, to the challenge of teaching kids about money.
The release is timely. In her coaching practice, Donavan found that money issues almost always surface. She explains, "Often I hear, 'My child is so entitled. How do I teach them to be more grateful and appreciative of what we give them? How and when do I give an allowance? Do I pay for chores? They don't understand money.'" Rather than use valuable coaching time to teach the basics of money management, Donavan wanted to give parents a simple framework they could use on their own. The book, From Allowance to Independence, removes the "teaching" so coaches can focus on the "coaching."
Parents will find a basic framework and easy-to-follow guide to the mechanics of teaching children—from toddlers to teens—money management, along with inspirational ideas such as saving money to do good in the world. The book also helps parents achieve clarity on the values they want their children to have about money. "The focus on values is what I value most about this book," states Gloria DeGaetano, Founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute. "Most other books on this topic stress the material aspect. Not this one. Sure, it teaches kids of all ages how to save, budget and spend wisely, but even more important the book focuses on the why of saving, budgeting, spending, while adding the importance of giving generously."
Donavan points out that the book adds an innovative component to her parent coaching practice. Clients can read the book and bring ideas and questions to coaching sessions, allowing her to stay in the coaching role and focus on helping each parent work through money conversations in their unique family. Her approach aligns with PCI's mission. PCI Certified Parent Coaches® address the unique needs of each family through a strength-based model.
The book's release also highlights PCI's broader role in training family support professionals. The institute offers a year-long, online Parent Coach Certification® program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University. Applications for the 2027 Spring Term will be accepted from Dec. 1 to Feb. 1, 2027 through the application process. For parents and professionals alike, the new book offers a practical tool to address a common challenge: raising financially responsible children in a material world.
