In a world of instant gratification and influencer hauls, teaching kids about money is a quiet rebellion—and one of the most lasting legacies we can offer.
❤️ Why Financial Intention Matters to Us
We’re a family that values experiences over excess. Instead of lavish parties, we celebrate Paxton’s birthdays abroad—Germany one year, Anguilla the next. For his most recent birthday, we kept it simple with four close friends and a backyard hangout. We rarely exchange material gifts—not even for holidays. The first “gift” Jan gave me? A trip to Peru. My last birthday? A waterfall picnic hike while 7 months pregnant with Kai.
A birthday hike while pregnant with Kai—our kind of celebration.
🛠️ Our Approach in Action
Letting kids feel the power of their own choices—one ice cream or toy at a time.
Paxton’s first taste of money decisions came at age three. While traveling through Córdoba, we handed him €10 and said, “This is yours.” He asked about prices, weighed options, and picked two small toys. But earlier that day, he’d mentioned wanting ice cream. I gently reminded him, and after a thoughtful pause, he put one toy back to save room—for joy.
Later, when he spotted another toy and asked for it, we calmly said, “You’re out of money.” He nodded and moved on. At three, he got it. And that quiet understanding was more rewarding than any purchase.
Playing with the toy he chose—€10 well spent.Ice cream over impulse—experiential choices that teach.
🔧 What We’re Building Toward
Small weekly allowance tied to completed tasks
Simple systems for spending, saving, and giving
Conversations around needs vs. wants
Campfire chats turn into lessons for life.7.5 months pregnant—and still choosing adventure.The small, slow moments shape our big values.
✨ Why We’re Sharing This
This isn’t about perfection or preaching—it’s about exploring a different path. A slower one. A more intentional one.
“Raising financially conscious kids isn’t about how much they have—it’s about how they think about what they have.”
If you’re trying to raise kids with a heart for value over stuff, you’re not alone. We’re learning as we go—mistakes, wins, all of it—and sharing the journey with you.
💬 Still Learning—And Welcoming Your Ideas
This journey of teaching financial intention to our kids is ongoing for us. We’re not experts—just fellow parents figuring it out as we go, learning from our own research and trial and error. If you have tips, favorite resources, or lessons learned, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
Money as You Grow (CFPB) – Free, age-by-age ideas from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Greenlight app – A kid-friendly debit card and allowance tracker (if you want to try digital tools).
(None of these are sponsored—just things I’ve found helpful or interesting in my own search!)
💡 Key Takeaways
Start money lessons early—real choices with real (small) money make a big impact.
Focus on experiences and gratitude over material gifts.
Use allowance and spending decisions to teach needs vs. wants.
Keep conversations open and non-judgmental—mistakes are part of learning.
Model intentional spending and saving in your own life.
❓ Financial Intention FAQs
What age should I start teaching my child about money? As soon as they show interest—often around age 3–4. Simple choices and conversations go a long way.
How much allowance is appropriate? Start small—$1 per year of age per week is a common guideline. Adjust to your family’s values and budget.
Should allowance be tied to chores? Some families do, others don’t. We tie it to completed tasks to connect effort and reward.
How do you handle “wants” vs. “needs”? Talk it out! Ask questions, share your own examples, and let kids make some low-stakes mistakes.
Any recommended resources? Try “The Opposite of Spoiled” by Ron Lieber, “Make Your Kid a Money Genius” by Beth Kobliner, or apps like Greenlight for kid-friendly banking.
What does financial intention look like in your home? Let’s swap notes in the comments below.
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Looking for the perfect Caribbean escape with kids? Here’s exactly where to stay, eat, and explore in Anguilla, based on our 7x visits (plus a few hidden gems we almost didn’t want to share).
Why we keep coming back: Anguilla is barefoot luxury with a baby on your hip. It’s calm, gorgeous, and genuinely family-friendly. We brought Kai here at 5 months old—Paxton calls it his “ocean house.”
Anguilla with kids at a glance:
Vibe: Quiet, safe, barefoot-luxury island with 33 beaches and no cruise ships.
Best ages: Babies, toddlers, and big kids who love sand + sea more than theme parks.
Perfect for: Families who want calm water, easy drives, and real local food.
In this no-fluff family guide:
Hidden beaches that aren’t in the brochures
Toddler-approved food recs (no sad nuggets here)
Real mom hacks + magical moments
Where We Stayed: A Beach House with Soul
There are beach houses… and then there are BEACH HOUSES.
Rendezvous Bay Hotel has our heart—beachfront, laid-back, and full of charm. Fully stocked kitchen. Peaceful studio. Sunset swims. Free airport pickup. Done and done.
Hidden perk: You’re a barefoot stroll from Sunshine Shack and Dune Preserve, so nap schedules and lunch runs stay easy.
Kid hack: We pre-order a few basics (milk, yogurt, fruit) from the grocery store and stash them in the kitchen for instant breakfasts and post-beach snacks.
Our coconut boy. The staff at Rendezvous Bay knows him now—they always surprise him with a fresh coconut.
Best Anguilla Restaurants (Kid-Approved)
Tasty’s Restaurant – Our go-to, hands-down favorite. The POV here is perfect for families: seafood pasta, slow-braised oxtail, conch ceviche, and snapper dishes that blow us away every time. Best conch ceviche on the island, no contest.
Leon’s – Dinner, drinks, and downtime while the kid(s) turn the sand and play boat into a tiny explorer’s club. Wings, tuna tartar, pizzas—all reliably good and casual.
Ken’s BBQ – Line up for smoky ribs and grilled chicken.
Vincy’s – Sunset views and casual eats right on the water.
Palm Grove Bar & Grill (Nat’s) – Take the unpaved road out to this beachy spot. Order crayfish, hot sauce on everything, and the best johnny cakes on the island. Don’t leave without a bottle (or three) of Nat’s pepper sauce… our house is never without it.
Blanchards Beach Shack – For sandy feet + snacky toddlers.
Roti Hut – Local fave. Get the conch roti.
Beautiful sunset views near Vincy’s.
Take the unpaved road to Palm Grove Bar & Grill. Come hungry, leave with pepper sauce, and dream about those johnny cakes later.
Sunset and play at Leon’s on Meads Bay — grownups get cocktails, kids get endless sand.
🍽 Hidden food gems + kid hacks
Dune Preserve (Rendezvous Bay): A rambling, driftwood beach bar with live music on some evenings—kids explore, you exhale.
Local bakeries + patty stops: Ask your hotel where to grab fresh johnny cakes or patties in the morning; they’re perfect “I’m hungry now” snacks between beaches.
Order like a local: At BBQ spots, ask for a mix of chicken, ribs, and any daily sides—one plate often feeds one adult + one kid.
Toddler tip: We always carry a reusable bento box and fill it with fries, fruit, and a few bites of whatever we’re eating so the kids can graze while they play in the sand.
Don’t forget to grab souvenirs from Anguilla Sands & Salts — our suitcase always comes home a little saltier and a lot happier.
Top Things to Do in Anguilla with Kids
Morning strolls + BBQ lunch at Sunshine Shack.
Crocus Bay boat ride with Captain Calvin (ask for “Bear”)—let him zip you over to Little Bay for a tranquil swim, turquoise water, and some surprisingly good snorkeling. Two hours is our magic number with littles before nap-o’clock hits. Pack towels, snorkel gear, and all the snacks.
Waterslides at Aurora Resort Water Park—grownups, consider this your low-energy day, but for toddlers: pure splashy bliss!
Snorkeling + picnic at Sandy Island.
Shipwreck Bar sunset photos + beach hangs.
Snap a shot under the Monumental Arch.
Splash + shell hunt at Shoal Bay East.
Evening dinner at Meads Bay.
Grilled crayfish + hot sauce tasting at Nat’s.
Secluded vibes at Captain’s Bay.
Treat break at Tropical Treats.
Saturday island BBQs with locals.
Junior-style glass-bottom or clear-bottom boat rides so kids can “snorkel” without leaving the boat.
Mini golf and ice cream at the Anchor Complex on the east end.
Short nature walk or guided hike near Katouche Bay for older kids: caves, coastal views, and the wild side of Anguilla.
Lunch, play, and fun vibes at Sunshine Shack — this is our happy place reset button.
Fun at Aurora’s waterpark — the slides tire them out in the best way.
Snorkeling fun at Little Bay — calm water, bright fish, and easy entry for kids.
We love using full-face snorkel masks for the kids to keep things fuss-free. Highly recommend this one we use: our go-to full-face mask.
Hidden Beaches & Secret Spots
Katouche Bay: A little wilder and more off-the-beaten-path, with caves and hiking trails nearby—better for baby-in-carrier or steady walkers than stroller naps.
Windward Point Bay: Rugged, wind-swept, and usually empty. We treat this as a short “adventure stop,” not a full beach day, but older kids love the castaway feel.
Limestone Bay: Quiet, rocky, and great for tide-pooling and “treasure hunts” for shells and sea glass when the sea is calm.
Dune Preserve (Rendezvous Bay): Not a beach, not exactly a bar—more like an art project built from boats and driftwood. Go for live music days and let kids clamber (safely) while you soak it in.
Safety note: Always check surf and weather before heading to more remote bays, and keep adventures short with little legs.
Best Family Beaches in Anguilla
Anguilla has 33 beaches. These are the six we’d go back to in a heartbeat:
Rendezvous Bay – Home base. 100% kids-friendly with calm and shallow water.
Maunday’s Bay – Dreamy, calm, and photogenic.
Cove Bay – Quiet perfection. Bring snacks.
Crocus Bay – Kayak-ready and peaceful.
Shoal Bay East – Clear water + casual eats.
Meads Bay – Upscale but relaxed. Gorgeous sunsets.
Prickly Pear – For the brightest blue and turquoise water you’ve ever seen and a stroll along the softest, dream-worthy stretch. Pro tip: mind the prickly pears (yes, the actual cactus thorns) and don’t go barefoot off-path!
👣 How we beach-hop with kids
Morning: Calm bays like Rendezvous or Maunday’s for swims before the sun gets spicy.
Midday: Back to your stay for naps, snacks, and shade (we don’t fight the midday heat with toddlers).
Afternoon: Shoal Bay East or Meads Bay for sandcastles, an early dinner, and sunset walks.
Gear hack: A compact pop-up beach tent + a small mesh bag for shells = instant kid zone on any beach.
After-breakfast swim at The Place on Rendezvous Bay — coffee, pancakes, and then straight into the sea.
Tiny Travelers, Big Moments
Paxton swam solo—floaties off, full confidence.
He collected conch shells like treasure.
Kai’s first ocean splash: wide eyes, full giggles.
Tiny Tales Expedition 