Most children grow up with no understanding of household finances — they don't know what things cost, how budgets work, why some things require saving. The result: young adults entering adulthood without basic financial literacy.
What appropriate involvement looks like
Age 8+: discussing grocery cost decisions ('avocados are £2 today; let's wait'). Age 10+: showing them family budget basics. Age 14+: discussing housing costs, utility bills, family financial decisions. Age 16+: more sophisticated conversations.
Children of financially-aware households tend to become financially-aware adults. The reverse is also true.