Educating your children about money is one of the smartest, and most rewarding, financial plans for any family. It is in our childhood that we are conditioned to have emotions related to money. Many of these emotions, like fear of not having enough money, or having too much money, are not based in reality. These feelings can hold you back later in life so it’s important to have an understanding about money from as early an age as possible.

Many DebtSmart.com readers have written in asking for my recommendation for books for their children. They’re looking for good books that will teach their kids about money: how to save, how to budget, and how to understand finances.

Below are three good books that I would recommend for kids ages 12 and up. All of these picks are must reads for parents as well.

Robert T. Kiyosaki is best known for his first book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, in which he explains how he learned about finances from two dads. His friend's father (rich dad), and his own highly-educated father (poor dad). In Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens, Kiyosaki focuses on the same concepts but from the teen perspective. After all, he did learn many of his lessons as a young man. In this book aimed at kids, he does a wonderful job speaking clearly to this generation. I certainly recommend this one for kids and their parents.

I really do hate the title of this series "Complete Idiot's Guide" but I cannot help seeing that the content is great! Man, I just wish they'd change the name to something like, "The complete geniuses guide..." Anyway, this book is quite good at explaining the details of hands-on money management. Of course, I was especially drawn to Part 6 "Advanced Money," Chapter 15 "Understanding Credit Cards and Debt." Susan is correct when she says, "credit cards can be lifesavers, but many people have found themselves deep in financial trouble because they misused them." That's my position too, but you you know that from reading DebtSmart.com.

Your child's financial education is not complete without a good understanding of investments. Understanding budgets and money management has, at its end goal, the concept of saving and investing. Being familiar with investments and how they operate is essential to living a happy financial life. One of my favorite chapters is "Avoid Financial Blunders." Garnder starts off by explaining how a bad decision in general, like smoking cigarettes, is not only dangerous to your physical health, but costly to your financial health. He goes on to explain the cost of gambling and so much more. This book is a winner!