Why Your Teen Needs to Call the Bank Themselves

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift · Jan 20, 2026 · 9m

Your teenager lost their debit card. Teaching teens about money starts with moments like this. You could call the bank and fix it in five minutes. Instead, you hand them the phone. They panic. You stay on the couch. They figure it out.

Anita Bruinsma challenges parents to stop taking over. When kids open their first bank account around age 10, let the bank employee talk directly to them. Let them explain what they need. Intimidation drops when familiarity builds. She makes her sons responsible for all discretionary spending at college. Tuition and residence covered, but fun money? That's on…