No idea how to count money

Dear Editor:

As a recent employee of a local convenience store, I wish to comment on the number of young customers I encountered who had no idea how to count money.

I have to wonder what exactly is being taught in our schools. In the 1950s it was thought that girls did not need to learn things such as chemistry since it was not likely that they would use such knowledge in their lifetimes. As we have evolved, it is obvious that this thought process is incorrect.

But money and finance is a vital factor in our everyday lives. Both the schools and parents MUST take a proactive approach to teaching our children how to count and save money. During my months at the convenience store, the children I saw purchasing items with cash and having difficulty counting the cash were not kindergarten students. They were 5th grade students and older. At the same time, I saw youngsters purchasing items and fully understanding the concept of how to use the food stamp card.

What is happening to our society and our education system? What is happening to our families and the morals and ethics we once were taught?

On the other side of the coin, (no pun intended), I was very pleased to see a certain few children put their change in the penny cup, or spend a dollar to benefit a local charity, or even to keep their money in their shoe so none of it would be lost on the way to the store. It is those children who could teach some of the adults a few things.

Faith Richards

Coaldale