Why do parents show their children how to work their debit cards?

Teaching their kids how to use a debit card? Sure, why not? Assuming that they can trust their kids not to steal from them.

When I was little, and we were in the grocery store (assuming there wasn't a line, of course) my Mom would let me run the card through and punch in the buttons, and all that. She even let me sign the receipt (the customer copy, that is, lol. I always wondered why it needed to be signed at the store if we were just gonna bring it home. And also why it would be legal for me to sign for her, lmao).

My parents taught me how to use checks, credit cards, debit cards, how to maintain a checking account, how to care for my own finances, and so on and so forth, because it's important for people to be able to do all of that *before* they are out in the real world, without the safety net of their parents. You would be shocked at how many people get slammed with hefty overdraft fees because no one ever bothered to explain to them how these systems work.

It's like on those sitcoms where the parents give their teen a credit card, expecting them to be responsible, and then the teen goes and runs up the bill with unnecessary charges, and doesn't get that they eventually have to pay for those items with real money. And pay interest if they don't pay the balance in full. All because no one took the time to explain how to use these financial tools responsibly before handing them the credit card.

If the kids are having fits over not being allowed to swipe the card, however, then they clearly aren't mature or responsible enough for that sort of thing, so why on Earth would a parent reward that kind of behavior?

Sure you can. There are lots of prepaid debit cards specifically for teens on the market. You don't have to provide anything other than your name, address, and date of birth to get the card but your parents will need to apply with you. Teen cards are better than traditional checking accounts because they offer lots of extra features like financial education, discounted services, and text and email alerts on your account. The only downfall is that your parent can see and control your spending and block you from spending at certain merchants like bars, liquor stores, etc. Try looking at a couple of different teen products like the Allow Card or the Current by Discover teen card.

My parents taught me how to use their debit when I was young (this was before they had machines set up at every register, and before you could just slide your own card and go) so I could get money from the ATM for them. My kids don't know how to do it because I like to move quickly, and I hate holding other people up - and my kids would take forever punching numbers and trying to slide the card.

I worked in retail for three years and never had anyone let their kids do their cards for them. I certainly would never have allowed anyone to let their child sign for them - we couldn't accept a signature from someone who wasn't the actual cardholder. So I can say it wasn't common in my area, at least.

Years ago I worked in retail and I remember one time a lady doing that. I said something to the affect of, "Sorry ma'am, your name is on the card. We need *your* signature."

I think it's pretty dumb. There is no way I'd show my daughter that. When it came time for her to get a job and have her own debit card then I would.

It wouldn't surprise me if some of these kids stole the credit cards and used them.

I'm surprised. I don't know anyone who does this. My 23 year old is responsible and earned it.

The 20 year old is a flake and would probably put me in the poorhouse at the end of a day, she doesn't have the pin.

And the last two are too little. I have a strict rule about being able to see over the counter and spell your name in cursive before getting CC privileges. Plus they're blabbermouths. They'd say the numbers out loud while entering them. Or say "What did you say Mommy? Did you say 1-2-3-4 Mom?"

Kids like to copy what adults do. My son loves to turn on the dishwasher. If I forget and do it without thinking all hell breaks loose. It is one small big boy thing he can help me with so I let him. I don't use my debit card but he helps me sign my name and slides my credit card. Keeps him content while we're waiting for the cashier to finish. Just recently, he was using the hotel key card to open the room and open the gate to the parking garage. He loved it. No big deal. IMO

I have no idea.

I would never do this.

I guess some kids ask their parents if they can push the buttons and the parents let them.

These parents should remember that there are other people in line behind them. Also they should remember that a credit card swiper is not a toy and a child who can't reach it could easily grab it & maybe break it.

I think it is normal for a child under the age of 3. What isn't normal are parents that give there children credit cards.

Sometimes I send my 10 and 13yo into a store while I wait outside in the car with the baby, and they purchase things with my card. I don't see the harm in that. I have told them not to say the PIN out loud.

Also, I have let my 2yo push the "yes" or "ok" button on the pinpad. It's not like I let him get hateful or anything with me, he just likes to help.

It sounds like you have encountered some parents that let their kids run all over them. Just ignore them the best you can. Retail sucks, don't let people get to you.

Hmmm my daughters know how to use my debit card. They are 7 and 9. Since we dont use cash that is what they use. I dont know what the big deal is, they have never thrown a fit if they could not put in the pin...