Last summer, we embarked on a family trip to Sweden and Norway—a journey filled with laughter, breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes, and cherished memories. This Scandinavian adventure was more than just visiting my brother and cousin in Stockholm; it was a chance to reconnect as a family. There were twelve of us. Growing up, traveling as a family was a huge part of our bonding, and this trip was no exception.
Growing up, our parents always gave us pocket money on trips. It seemed like a generous, no-strings-attached gift. Little did I know, it was also a subtle lesson in teaching kids about money.
Now, as a parent, it felt like the perfect time to pass this tradition down to my kids, especially since Basti, my youngest, was learning how to add and subtract. So, Miko and I handed them 500 Crowns each. In Sweden, this was 500 SEK, and in Norway, it was 500 NOK. For simplicity and to match their Grade 1 and Grade 3 math, we told them 1 SEK equals 1 NOK, even though the exchange rate was slightly different.
You should have seen their faces light up, like they’d just won the lottery! Basti, always the sweet tooth, darted off to buy Swedish treats and Norwegian candies at every chance. I watched, wondering if he’d spend it all on things he could easily get back home—but I let him learn on his own.
Our adventure continued with a stunning fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm, a highlight of any Norway family travel experience.
It was on one of these cruises that Basti’s eyes lit up as he spotted a Lego-like toy—a miniature version of the very boat we were on. He had to have it, and who could blame him? It was the perfect souvenir from Norway. But when we checked his funds, reality hit. After his candy spree, Basti was down to 300 NOK, and the toy cost 230 NOK. We had to explain the math: after the purchase, he’d only have 70 NOK left, with half the trip still ahead. Basti didn’t mind; his imagination was already running wild with the new toy.
A few days later, we found ourselves in Oslo at the Norfolk Museum. Basti’s eyes wandered until they landed on a shiny new toy—a fire truck, complete with flashing lights. He tugged on my sleeve, “Mom, can you ask how much this is?” But this was another chance for a financial lesson for kids. “Why don’t you ask yourself?” I suggested. With some encouragement, he mustered the courage to ask the counter staff and learned the truck cost 140 NOK. His face fell as he turned to me, “Mom, how much do I have left? Can I buy it?”
It broke my heart to tell him no. He had only 70 NOK left. I reminded him gently that maybe next time, he could think twice about spending on sweets so he’d have more for things he truly wants that last longer than a momentary sugar rush.
His face clouded with disappointment, but he took it in stride. “Can you at least take photos of it so that when I have enough money, I can look for it and buy it?” he asked. So, we took a snap of the fire truck—a small consolation for a life lesson on saving money.
The following day, Basti came up to us, determination in his eyes. “How can I earn money during this trip?” It was a question I hadn’t expected but was thrilled to hear. Miko and I exchanged glances, impressed by his newfound drive to solve his problem. After a quick huddle, we proposed a challenge: “You can earn 100 NOK if you give mom a 60-minute massage.” We figured it would be a good test of his commitment—a bit of hard work for a much-desired reward.
That evening, after a long day exploring the city, Basti was ready. He set the timer, and I began showing him how to knead with his knuckles and elbows, targeting my achy muscles. At the 45-minute mark, he was tired, and I suggested we call it a night, but Basti, showing unexpected resolve, shook his head. “No, it’s not yet 60 minutes.” It struck me then—my little boy was sticking to his promise, determined to see his task through. I drifted in and out of sleep in those final 15 minutes, but my heart was full. I was witnessing a lesson in work ethic and perseverance in action.
The next day, we handed Basti his hard-earned 100 NOK. “You now have 170 NOK,” we told him, and his face lit up with the proudest smile.
This Scandinavian family vacation was more than just a getaway—it became a classroom without walls. Basti learned that money isn’t just for spending but for making decisions, setting priorities, and sometimes, making sacrifices. He discovered that patience and effort can turn a “no” into a “yes,” and the things worth having don’t always come easily. As parents, it was a reminder that sometimes the best lessons we give aren’t the answers but letting them find their way, one step—and one crown—at a time.
