Instead of toys, father gives his daughters Rs 500 and takes them to kirana store. He shares why

In a world where parenting advice often comes wrapped in apps, courses, and expert opinions, one father’s approach stands out for its simplicity. No charts, no lectures, no flashy rewards. Just Rs 500, a local kirana store, and a quiet lesson in responsibility. The idea may sound small, almost ordinary, but its impact is powerful. It shows how everyday moments can shape a child’s relationship with money far better than any textbook ever could.

Mehul Fanawala, co-founder of a company, recently shared this parenting practice on X. Instead of giving his daughters pocket money to buy toys, he hands them Rs 500 and takes them to a nearby kirana store. He began doing this intentionally in 2025, with a clear purpose in mind.

At the store, his daughters choose what they want to buy. They ask the shopkeeper about prices, calculate how much they can afford, and count the change themselves. Sometimes they make mistakes. Sometimes they surprise him with how carefully they think things through. Each visit becomes a small exercise in decision-making, awareness, and confidence.


Fanawala notes something else that happens every time. The store staff smile. There is something heartwarming about watching children stand at a counter, money in hand, learning to navigate a simple transaction on their own. It turns an ordinary errand into a meaningful life lesson.





He contrasts this with how financial literacy is usually discussed today. There are endless posts, books, and apps promising to teach money skills. But real learning, he believes, often looks much simpler. It looks like a child standing at a kirana counter, counting notes twice, and feeling the weight of a small responsibility.

For Fanawala, this practice is not about raising future entrepreneurs or pushing children to think about profits and savings too early. It is about raising adults who are comfortable with money. Adults who are not intimidated by financial decisions and who understand the value of what they spend.



He also reflects on how many people pick up these lessons much later in life. Some, he admits, are still learning them as adults. By starting early, through small and safe experiences, children can develop healthier financial habits without fear or pressure.

According to Fanawala, financial habits do not begin with spreadsheets or complex planning tools. They begin with trust, a modest amount of money, and everyday experiences. In his view, Rs 500, a local kirana store, and the freedom to make small choices can teach lessons that last far beyond childhood.