We talk a great deal about the importance of teaching a child to read and to learn math and science.

But another topic we need to have our children become literate in is money. We all hope our children will become financially responsible adults. That means they will learn to live within their means, free from the anxieties of debt and having a secure future. These lessons begin even before they begin school.

So what do you do when your child receives a check from grandparents for the holidays or for his birthday? Obviously, one thing your child of any age would be willing to do is run right out and spend it. But even with this one check, you have several choices.

1. Your child can spend it all.

2. Your child can save it all.

3. Your child can save some and spend the rest.

Talk with your child about the different ways he can use the money.

He can use the money to buy snacks at school, rent a movie or save it until he has more money so he has more choices or more things.

If he has some bigger items he would like, such as a new bike or a new game, he may need time to save. Remind him that small amounts add up. But don’t let him forget he needs to save for others too such as his sister’s birthday or wrestling shoes.

Even talk with him about how you have saved money regularly for your retirement. He may not be ready for that kind of use of his money but it is worth a discussion.

Does he have a feeling that helping others is important? If he does or if this is a value in your family, remind him that he should put aside some money for that goal, too. He can help the local animal shelter or give to any worthy cause. Maybe he just wants to give money to help others who need it.

Remind him about emergencies and his money. If he forgets his jacket at soccer practice and it is missing, who pays for it? What is his responsibility for anything broken or lost? If he has a history of being careless, you may need to have some money set aside for emergencies.

One way to help him learn about saving money is to open a bank account for him. Most of the local banks encourage this kind of learning. Have him make regular even if small deposits to his account. Each month you can show him how it has grown.

Some parents with young children set up a four bank system labeled how he will use the money: save, spend, invest and give. Talk about how much will be in each jar so that he can set goals. Talk together about how much he should save and why. If he wants a bike, perhaps you have told him he has to contribute $100 toward the price. That is tough. But if he sets a goal of $5 each week, in five months he will have enough for his new bike.

Talk about the importance of saving first, not last.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.